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Whiplash is not a definition of a certain set of physical ailments but rather a term that defines how the injuries occurred. This condition, which is common immediately and shortly after a car accident, means that part of the spine got pushed very rapidly in forward motion and then immediately snapped back in the opposite motion. While the forward and backward force is most common, whiplash can also occur in a side to side pattern.
Understanding Vertical Subluxation
Vertical subluxation is the most common type of whiplash injury. This means that the person with whiplash suffers from irritation or damage to nerves, tendons, ligaments, joints, muscles, or discs. A car accident typically causes this condition to come on suddenly. It’s also possible for a person to develop it more slowly over time due to tension, emotional stress, poor posture, unhealthy diet, weak muscles, and improper sleeping positions.
Other Common Whiplash Symptoms
Unfortunately, whiplash can cause a range of other symptoms in addition to vertical subluxation. The most common ones include:
- Blurry vision
- Concentration difficulty
- Concussion
- Dizziness
- Eye pain
- Headache
- Hearing loss
- Internal organ damage
- Light sensitivity
- Low back pain
- Memory issues
- Nasal problems
- Numbness and/or pain between the shoulder blades and/or in the hands, fingers, and arms
- Psychological problems
- Ringing in the ears
- Sore neck
- Stiffness
- Visual disturbances
While some people heal from whiplash symptoms quickly, others may experience symptoms for several years after the accident that caused them. People who fall into this category can often benefit from chiropractic care.
Recovering from Whiplash Symptoms with Chiropractic Adjustments
A chiropractor treating whiplash uses his or her hands along with special tools to manipulate the cervical spine back into the proper position. The cervical spine runs through the neck, and adjusting it helps to relieve trauma the body experienced from the car crash. It does this by releasing endorphins that soothe the body’s nervous system, which is responsible for self-healing.
The free flow of endorphins helps to reduce inflammation that causes stiffness and pain. Every chiropractic adjustment improves circulation in the affected areas of the body as well.
Benefits of Stimulation or Muscle Relaxation to Treat Whiplash Symptoms
A chiropractor may also ask the patient to complete some stretching exercises at home to help improve symptoms. Completing gentle stretches using the muscle experiencing the tension can help to significantly reduce pain. For very tight muscles, the chiropractor will likely suggest a more aggressive form of stretching at home. In the office, he or she can help to relieve the patient’s discomfort with gentle finger pressure applied to the trigger points.
Sensorimotor and stabilization exercises are another common type of chiropractic treatment for whiplash injuries. These exercises prevent the patient from continuing to make incorrect movements that contribute to pain, tightness, and tension.
Whiplash can produce more than a dozen symptoms that can linger for some time. People who suffer from these symptoms often find traditional medical care frustrating because their tests come up normal or they don’t want to rely on multiple medications to function. Chiropractic care is a natural alternative for whiplash symptoms that offers proven results and can help you reach your goals of recovering effectively.
