Whiplash symptoms can be numerous, complicated, long-lasting, and hard to diagnose, which is why they are commonly known as whiplash-associated disorders. Concurrent injuries may also be symptomatic, such as a stinger, concussion, radiculopathy (pinched nerve with radiating pain into the arm), or shoulder injury. If a whiplash injury causes a person to have reduced physical or mental abilities—even if they are just temporary—it can result in increased social isolation.
Diagnosis
They will determine what about your spine is functioning improperly, in addition to the issues you complain of when you consult with them. They do this by way of a physical examination, and they look for details, such as tension, injury, limited mobility, and areas in spasm. Once this examination is complete, your chiropractor will have a better idea of how to help reduce your pain and increase your quality of life.
Sometimes, additional diagnostic tools are utilized to provide the best possible treatment plan for the client. MRI scans, CT scans, and even X-rays can be used to round out your chiropractor’s understanding of your injuries.
Common Risk Factors And Syptoms
While it commonly arises from a car accident, people get whiplash also from high-impact sports, amusement park rides, or even sudden falls. The common symptoms of whiplash are:
Neck stiffness and pain
Pain in the arms, upper back, and shoulders
Blurred vision
Headaches particularly the back of the head
Challenges in concentrating
Extreme fatigue
Vertigo or dizziness
Chiropractic Treatment
Chiropractors treat whiplash by using several different treatment techniques, Chiropractors can assist in relieving pain, and encouraging healing in the affected areas.
Chiropractic Adjustment: By performing spinal manipulation, via short thrusts or slower movements, Chiropractors can gently move the involved joint towards the restricted area. This helps create mobility and encourages healing.
Muscle Relaxation and Muscle Stimulation: With calm gentle stretches to the affected muscles, Chiropractors can relieve tension. Sometimes these stretches are also combined with 'finger pressure techniques' on certain pressure points to relieve pain.
McKenzie Exercises: Fortunately for us, McKenzie exercises are 100 percent intended to reduce disc derangement caused by whiplash. The first set of exercises happen in the Chiropractor's office, but can be taught to the patient to use at home. This gives the patient a little more control in the healing process.
Using these chiropractic techniques, a chiropractor will help you increase your daily activities. He or she will work hard to address any mechanical (how the spine moves) or neurological (nerve-related) causes of your whiplash.
