Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Whiplash

There are many benefits of seeing a chiropractor for whiplash, from speeding up recovery to pain relief.

Benefits of Seeing a Chiropractor for Whiplash Injuries

Whiplash is one of the most common auto accident or trauma injuries. It decreases the range of mobility and causes long-term mobility issues and pain. Chiropractic care for whiplash injuries provides non-invasive and non-addictive pain relief. 

What Is Whiplash?

Whiplash is the hyperextension of the neck when it is flung forward suddenly, or whipped, then forcefully pulled backward in a collision. The whiplash injury can cause herniated discs, soft tissue injury, and neurological damage. It is advisable to see a chiropractor after an auto accident for fast treatment and to relieve pain.

Causes and Symptoms of Whiplash

Whiplash occurs after a trauma like a car accident. You might think that high-impact collisions are the most common cause, but slow collisions (5-10 mph) cause the most whiplash injuries. High impact sports can also cause whiplash. Whiplash affects the neck, and neck pain is a clear sign of whiplash. Other symptoms include:

• Headaches
• Vertigo
• Blurred vision
• Inability to concentrate
• Tinnitus
• Restricted range of motion in the neck
• Fatigue

Symptoms of whiplash can masquerade as symptoms of other degenerative bone diseases, like spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, or arthritis. The chiropractor will employ a full spine evaluation, motion and static palpation, imaging tests, and sometimes bloodwork to accurately diagnose whiplash. The mix of neurological and physical assessment aids in tailoring an effective chiropractic care plan. 

The Benefits of Seeing a Chiropractor for Whiplash Injuries

Reduce Inflammation

Inflammation is the body's natural response to self-healing after sustaining an injury. However, excess inflammation causes discomfort and pain. Chiropractic adjustments realign your spine to improve circulation and decrease soft tissue cytokine production.

The result is decreased inflammation and less pain. You may avoid pain-relieving medication with repeated adjustments and other chiropractic care treatments. 

Minimize Pain

Chiropractic adjustments encourage your body to produce hormones to ease pain in the injured neck region. Soft tissue therapy also targets the trigger points to release the pent-up energy that causes numbing pain. A study conducted by The University of Spain showed that oxytocin, neurotensin, and cortisol in the bloodstream increased in test subjects after spinal manipulation.

Restore the Range of Motion in Your Neck

Whiplash displaces the discs and causes inflammation and scar tissue to develop, restricting your range of motion. Chiropractic adjustments realign your spine and discs, restoring your range of motion. The chiropractor can employ upper cervical adjustments or flexion-distraction techniques to achieve desired mobility to adjust your spine.

Improve Muscle Tone

Whiplash causes loss of muscle tone and stiffness in the neck, which is unsightly and decreases the range of motion. A spinal adjustment restores your muscle tone. Good posture is a natural byproduct of toned muscles, which is the primary benefit of chiropractic adjustments.

Treat and Prevent Headaches

It is common after an auto accident to experience dizziness and recurrent headaches. Chiropractic care targets your spine and realigns it. These treatments ease pressure in your muscles and nerves, preventing future headaches. 

Reduces Scar Tissues

Your body responds to ligament tears and tendon tears by forming scars. Built-up scar tissue increases tension and causes stiff muscles. Chiropractic care for whiplash targets the scar tissue to break it up to relieve tension. Over time, you will experience pain and discomfort. 

Speed Up Your Recovery Process

Chiropractic adjustments are full-body treatments since they improve energy and blood circulation, so nutrients and self-healing hormones travel faster to expedite healing. Timely chiropractic treatments after an auto accident directly translate to a speedy recovery.

Reduce the Chances of Long-Term Problems from Your Whiplash Injury 

Whiplash injury can worsen underlying conditions or cause degenerative disc disease and long-term pain. You need to schedule a visit and address the problem before it advances to prevent long-term complications. 

Conclusion

Chiropractic care for whiplash is an all-in-one treatment with physical and cognitive benefits. After an auto accident, schedule a visit to a chiropractic center to get the most out of your care. Sometimes the chiropractor employs complementary treatments for the best outcomes.

Dr. Eric Neumann D.C.

Dr. Eric Neumann grew up in Alberta, Canada where he majored in Chemistry at the University of Calgary. During his time at University, he obtained licensure as a Massage Therapist. It was clear that hands-on healing would be his calling. After suffering multiple sport-related injuries he became interested in Chiropractic. Dr. Neumann graduated from Western States Chiropractic College in 2009. He has since specialized in the treatment and management of acute spinal injuries.