slide 1: Chiropractic is an effective non-surgical treatment option for neck pain due
to whiplash injury.
HealthQuest Brooklyn
3500 Nostrand Ave
Brooklyn NY 11229
Chiropractic Treatment for Whiplash Injury
slide 2: www.hqbk.com 718-769-2521
Whiplash injury is a type of neck injury that occurs due to forceful rapid back-
to-forth movement of the neck. It affects the soft tissues of the neck particularly
tendons ligaments and muscles. The injury which occurs when sudden
movements push the head beyond its normal range of motion is usually caused
by sports accidents rear end collisions motor vehicle accidents physical abuse
accidental slips or other traumas. Chiropractic can effectively treat whiplash
injury as it can help restore proper mechanics to the neck. The treatment is
available in reputable healthcare centers in New York.
Common signs and symptoms of whiplash include –
Muscle spasms
Neck pain and swelling
Sleep disturbances
Tingling or numbness in the arms
Blurred vision
Dizziness
Fatigue
Headaches most often starting at the base of the skull
Irritability
Loss of range of motion in the neck
Low back pain
Memory problems
Chiropractic care helps loosen up the joints of the cervical vertebrae in the neck
and alleviate joint pain and muscle spasms thereby correcting the overall spinal
alignment. However generalizing about the chiropractic treatment for whiplash
injury is not possible as injury in each individual case may be different. The
slide 3: www.hqbk.com 718-769-2521
treatment technique used would depend on the type of injury and be directed at
the primary dysfunctions detected during the chiropractic exam.
How Does a Chiropractor Diagnose Whiplash Injury
Chiropractors in multi-specialty healthcare centers will carefully evaluate your
spine as a whole – not just your neck - and identify any areas of restricted joint
motion intervertebral disc injury and muscle spasm and ligament injury. They
may also feel for tenderness tightness and how well your spinal joints move.
These details will help the chiropractor better understand your body mechanics
and spinal movement helping with the diagnosis process. Different types of
imaging tests such as X-rays computerized topography CT and open MRI
Magnetic resonance imaging may be used to evaluate any degenerative
changes that may have existed before your whiplash injury.
Modalities that these specialists use to treat neck pain include –
Manipulation – This aims to address joint dysfunction within the spine.
Spinal manipulation involves gently moving the involved joint or
vertebrae into its proper juxtaposition. The goal s to restore mobility
reduce pain and muscle tightness and increase tissue healing.
Muscle relaxation and/or stimulation – This involves applying gentle
stretches to the muscle that has excessive tension or repeated contractions
in the muscle that is inhibited. Relaxation and stimulation of the muscles
may be done with devices such as ultrasound or electrotherapy with heat
and ice or with manual massage and contraction-relaxation techniques to
the various muscles.
slide 4: www.hqbk.com 718-769-2521
Exercises – Exercise is an important step in the healing process as it
restores the normal range of motion by strengthening the muscles and
retrains the body to correct movement patterns over time. Chiropractors
employ different types of exercises to help treat patients with neck
injuries. McKenzie training is built to reduce disc derangement in
connection with a whiplash injury. Stabilization and sensorimotor
workout techniques correct defective movement patterns in routine
activities. The exercises chosen will be based on the nature of the injury.
Lifestyle changes – One of the key aspects of whiplash pain management
is for patients to stay active and perform daily activities with negligible
strain to the body. Physicians often prescribe simple stretching exercises
to achieve the best long-term benefits.
Whiplash injuries are complex and require a multifaceted treatment approach.
If you are planning to undergo chiropractic treatment in New York it is
important to choose a reliable healthcare center with trained experienced and
licensed chiropractors. This will ensure effective care with a customized
treatment program.