Whiplash
is a term that describes an injury to the neck sustained by a
passenger in a motor vehicle that gets "rear-ended" (hit
from behind). It can also occur when a person falls, or during
engagement of contact sports.
The
injury that keeps on giving
There’s
more to whiplash than the immediate discomfort and pain. Since it is
an injury to the vertebrae in the neck, the patient could develop
other painful symptoms if left untreated such as blurred vision,
headaches, dizziness, neck, arm, shoulder, and lower back pain, neck
stiffness, and reduced range of motion in the neck. These symptoms
may take days, or even weeks, before they manifest themselves.
Treatment
options
The
patient may choose to wear a cervical collar to immobilize the neck
while it heals. Other treatments include medication, physical
therapy, and nerve blocks. Chiropractic care has also been considered
an effective way to promote healing and managing pain for whiplash
patients.
Effective
way to cope
Chiropractors
are trained to evaluate and manage neuromusculoskeletal injuries such
as whiplash. The essence of chiropractic care is aimed at “restoring
the body center” by making manual and instrument adjustments to
improve spine alignment and function. This is accomplished by way of
massage and other soft-tissue techniques.
A
Vancouver WA chiropractor may refer a patient for additional testing
or other specialized examination procedures. In special situations,
the practitioner may also co-manage the patient's care with other
providers.
