It’s a very common scenario: You’re driving as a part of your daily routine and unfortunately end up on the receiving end of an automobile accident. You’re alright but you immediately feel a sharp pain in your neck and it just won’t go away, even weeks after the accident.
From the nearly six million automobile collisions that occur in the US every year, most will experience some kind of neck pain. One common misconception about car accidents is that whiplash is solely a neck muscle injury from a sudden force. In reality, whiplash can result in various injuries, much like how a quarterback’s tackle can lead to different injuries. Just as you won’t hear a quarterback being sidelined for a tackle, you shouldn’t attribute your pain solely to “whiplash”
If you’re among the millions of Americans struggling with recurring pain from a car crash and whiplash, seek help from a specialist who can pinpoint the specific injuries. This article explores how Chiropractic BioPhysics® (CBP) can treat whiplash-induced injuries to prevent long-term discomfort and the degenerative conditions which commonly plague inadequately treated car crash victimsinadequately treated.
What Is Whiplash?
Whiplash is caused by a sudden jolt of force to your body that jerks your head and neck to “whip” back and forth, similar to the action of striking a whip. It commonly occurs during car accidents, especially rear-end collisions.
These abrupt and forceful movements can alter the spine’s shape, damage or tear the connecting muscles, tendons, and ligaments, and affect the mechanics and stability of the person’s spine.
It’s important to understand that whiplash doesn’t need high-speeds to occur. This is because even when cars collide at low speeds, the weight of the vehicles can generate enough force to strain delicate structures within the body. Also, whiplash affects each person differently and can the damage to the spine can vary, as shown in the following X-rays of three different whiplash patients.
For example:
- 5 mph collisions can result in various soft tissue damage
- 10-12 mph collisions can cause changes to the structure of the neck and permanent damage to the area
The spine’s natural curves act as shock absorbers, distributing the force of body movements across its joints, bones, and discs. When trauma alters these curves, it leads to abnormal loading on the spine’s tissues. This not only causes current discomfort but can also lead to long-term issues like disc decay, herniation, osteoarthritis, bone spurs, and stenosis.
Individuals who have suffered a whiplash related trauma may experience the following symptoms:
- Neck pain and neck stiffness
- Limited range of motion in the neck
- Headaches
- Tenderness or soreness in the shoulders and upper back
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Ringing in ears
- Difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep
- Memory problems
- Depression
For this reason, it’s important to consult a spinal trauma specialist after a whiplash injury. CBP board-certified doctors excel at pinpointing your injuries and providing treatment when possible.
Spinal Trauma Evaluation and Whiplash Chiropractic Treatment
Because a CBP spinal trauma analysis can identify potential changes to the biomechanics in your spine as well as detect the presence of permanent damage to the spinal ligaments, receiving a spinal trauma evaluation should be your first step after a whiplash related car accident.
Because chiropractic treatment can identify potentially permanent damage to the spine, it can be a very effective solution for individuals with whiplash. This is because even a minor case of whiplash from a low-speed collision can cause accelerated deterioration of the cartilage—discs that cushion the vertebrae in the spine. These symptoms can be further exacerbated if the curve of the spine has been altered which causes abnormal stress on already traumatized parts of your anatomy.
If you’ve suffered a whiplash related crash, chiropractic treatment is likely the best course of action.
- Visit an emergency room if you have any open wounds, suspect any broken bones, or believe you have a life threatening injury.
- Once cleared, locate a certified CBP doctor for a spinal trauma analysis, including imaging and computerized structural assessment of the shape and stability of your spine.
- Get gentle care for short-term relief.
- Obtain further imaging such as MRI, Digital Motion X-ray, Flexion Extension X-rays or Corrective Potential X-rays if necessary.
- If necessary, undergo a corrective spinal rehabilitation program to restore the normal shape to your spine, relieve your symptoms and protect your future.
The chiropractic treatment for whiplash will be tailored to your specific injuries, their severity, and your symptoms.
If a biomechanical alteration in your spine’s shape, strength, or stability is detected, you might be given a treatment plan that involves the three key components of CBP care:
- Mirror Image Postural Exercises® to address muscular imbalances
- Mirror Image Postural Adjustments® to re-establish proper joint motion and retrain the brain body connection (Proprioception)
- Mirror Image Traction® to remold the spine towards a younger, healthier and stronger position
Get Relief from Whiplash with Chiropractic BioPhysics®
Whiplash chiropractic treatment can help many with whiplash symptoms, but not all plans are the same. Regular chiropractic care might offer short-term relief, but it may not address underlying biomechanical issues and instead leaves them to worsen, leading to more problems over time. That’s why the PostureWorks team uses CBP to develop the best treatment plan for you.
While whiplash chiropractic treatment can prove to be a boon for most people dealing with whiplash symptoms, not all treatment plans are created equal. That’s why the team at PostureWorks utilizes Chiropractic BioPhysics® to create the best treatment plan for you.
Chiropractic BioPhysics® begins with an in-depth analysis of your spine to identify any structural irregularities that may have occurred from whiplash. Once your condition is understood, a customized treatment plan is crafted to address your unique needs. Our Chiropractic BioPhysics® techniques combine advanced, non-invasive chiropractic therapy, physiotherapy, and exercise for an extensive treatment plan that not only ensures long-term pain relief but also restores the natural range of motion to your neck.
Contact us today for more information on whiplash chiropractic treatment or to schedule your appointment with PostureWorks in Lakewood or San Francisco.
Chiropractic BioPhysics®, or CBP, is a deeply researched and results-oriented corrective care technique. CBP-trained chiropractors aim to realign the spine back to health and optimal function. As with all chiropractic care, CBP is conservative, painless, and non-invasive.
