Whiplash is an injury caused by a sudden, forceful movement of the neck. The condition can result in lifelong discomfort. Recent data show that 50 percent of patients’ whiplash progressed to chronic pain. Are you looking for an alternative to painkillers that offers an all-natural treatment? Read on to find out how chiropractic care can be a safe alternative for treating whiplash.

What Causes Whiplash

There are several ways you may suffer from whiplash. One of the most common causes is rear-ended collision. Other cases are due to horse-riding accidents or falling from a bicycle. Contact sports injuries and physical abuse may also lead to this condition.

If you have whiplash, you may experience a wide range of symptoms, including:

• Headaches.

• Muscle spasms.

• Shoulder or arm pain.

• Neck pain and stiffness.

• Swelling and tenderness in the neck.

• Reduced or temporary loss of movement in the neck.

• Numbness, pain, or pins and needles in the arms and hands.

Sometimes, whiplash doesn’t present any symptoms. If it does, sometimes the symptoms are severe.

How Chiropractic Care Can Help

Chiropractors use a holistic approach in treating pain. During a complete physical examination, they will not only assess your neck. But they will also identify the underlying source of your discomfort. Your chiropractor will look at your body as a whole instead of focusing on your symptoms. They’re trained to identify muscle spasms, disc injuries, and areas of restricted movement. Your chiropractor will analyze the way you sit, stand, walk, and move. This way, they can better understand your body mechanics. Your chiropractor will make a treatment plan based on their findings. The primary goal is to address spinal joint dysfunction. The most common chiropractic methods used to treat whiplash include:
 

• Spinal Manipulation. Your treatment will depend on how severe your whiplash is. One typical chiropractic method is specific spinal manipulation. Your chiropractor will identify any restrictions or subluxations in your spinal joints. They will restore motion to your affected joints using a gentle thrusting technique. Another spinal manipulation technique your chiropractor may use is the flexion-distraction technique. It uses a hands-on, gentle, non-thrusting approach to treat slipped discs. Another technique is instrument-assisted manipulation, which involves using a specialized hand-held device. It’s often used for older patients with degenerative joint problems. This type of spinal manipulation applies force without thrusting into the patient’s spine.

• Manual Therapies. Your chiropractor may also incorporate different treatment modalities to treat whiplash. They may apply instrument-assisted soft tissue manual therapy. The Graston technique, in particular, is excellent for treating injured soft tissues. Muscle energy therapy is also effective as a form of manual joint therapy. It involves stretching and resistance techniques. Your chiropractor may also perform therapeutic massage. This is effective in reducing muscle tension in your neck. Another form of manual therapy that can help is trigger point therapy. Your chiropractor will determine specific tight, painful points of your muscle. Then, they will place direct pressure on it using their fingers on these specific points.

If you’ve been experiencing whiplash symptoms, it will help to seek chiropractic treatment. Your chiropractor can correct your posture and restore your spinal movement. Reclaim your quality of life now with our team of experts in Eisman Chiropractic Clinic. Call our office today in Detroit, Michigan, at (313) 395-0088 to schedule your consultation.