Although chiropractors treat patients with many different types of injuries and disorders, whiplash is one of the most common conditions we see at Gibson Chiropractic. Most people have heard of whiplash and associate it with being rear-ended in a car. While it’s true that many cases of whiplash are the result of an auto accident, this type of neck injury can be caused by any type of high-impact incident that causes the head and neck to be violently thrown back and forth or side to side. Athletes playing contact sports like football often suffer from it. Due to the nature of the incidents that cause it, it’s not uncommon for whiplash to be accompanied by a concussion. We’ve had a lot of experience treating whiplash victims at Gibson Chiropractic in Sacramento, CA, and we can successfully treat the pain and loss of mobility resulting from this common neck injury.
The Benefits Of Chiropractic Care For Whiplash
Physicians often treat whiplash injuries with highly addictive pain medications or risky surgery. Chiropractic treatment is completely non-invasive and natural, using gentle therapies and your body’s own natural ability to heal itself, relieving pain and stiffness and restoring the ability to move your head and neck normally. Since chiropractic treatment focuses on the whole body, patients often feel healthier and more energized overall.
Whiplash Injury Description & Symptoms
The neck is made up of seven vertebrae and their supporting muscles, ligaments, and nerves. The sudden, violent motion that causes whiplash can pull and strain the muscles and ligaments, bruise and tear the surrounding tissues, and damage the discs between the vertebrae, as well as the bones themselves. The symptoms can range from minor to severe, but the most commonly reported ones include:
- Pain and stiffness in the neck
- Headaches
- Shooting pains in the shoulders, arms, and back
- Difficulty in focusing or concentrating
- Blurry vision
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
Often, whiplash victims with only minor symptoms assume they will go away eventually, but this can be a mistake. Left untreated, whiplash injuries can worsen and the symptoms become chronic and harder to treat. It’s important to seek professional help right away if you suspect whiplash after an accident.
Chiropractic Diagnosis And Treatment Of Whiplash
Your chiropractor will begin by asking you the details of your accident and your symptoms, review your medical history, then thoroughly examine your neck, shoulders, and back, looking for signs of trauma and asking you about specific areas of pain and tenderness. They will conduct a range of motion tests and in-house X-rays if necessary. After they have arrived at a diagnosis, they will prescribe treatment based on your specific needs. This could include specialized treatments such as the Diversified or Gonstead techniques, physical rehabilitation, spinal manipulation, exercise, and other therapies.
If you’re suffering from the symptoms of whiplash, contact Gibson Chiropractic in Sacramento, CA, to schedule an appointment.
