Why Chiropractic Care Is the Most Effective Treatment for Whiplash: Insights From Experts

The human body is a complex and miraculous system whose parts work together to maintain harmony and efficiency. But as with any complex system, things can go wrong. When it happens to the body, it negatively impacts function. Impairment in the complex systems of the body could result from injury or disease. The injury affects tissues and the musculoskeletal structure, limiting movement and daily life.
 

Among the common causes of injury to the skeletal structure are auto accidents and overexertion of muscle tissue and joints. You can get several injuries from these, but one of the most impactful and problematic is a neck injury called whiplash.
 

What Is Whiplash?

The name of this condition is a succinct description of how the injury occurs. Just like whiplash, when the head quickly and forcefully jerks back and forth, it causes the neck to strain. The strain leads to symptoms like:
 

·      Pain.

·      Neck stiffness.

·      Discomfort.

·      Limited range of motion. 

However, most of the symptoms take some time before they manifest and may even seem unrelated to the situation that caused the injury. 
 

Diagnosis

When you go to the chiropractor, they will want to know if you were in an auto accident or doing something that may have needed violent head movement. They will also want to know how your life has been affected and how intense the symptoms are.
 

Imaging Tests

After the examination, the doctor may recommend imaging tests to check for hidden internal injuries. 

X-rays

These are the most common imaging tests available, and they help confirm if there is any bone damage. The doctor will usually ask for various angles of X-rays to ensure they have a clear picture of your bone structures. 
 

CT or Computerized Tomography

These are a much more comprehensive form of X-rays that capture cross-sectional images of bone. They allow the doctor to identify bone damage that may not appear in typical X-rays. 

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

MRIs use a magnetic field and radio waves to produce detailed 3D images of the bone and tissue around the target areas. They are a preferred imaging test because they give clear tissue and bone structure images. 

Why Chiropractic Care Is the Most Effective Whiplash Treatment

Because whiplash occurs due to hyperflexion and hyperextension, it results in deep tissue inflammation. This inflammation is the cause of many of the symptoms familiar to whiplash. Chiropractors use a process involving multiple stages to heal the affected tissues. 

They start with light stretching movements of the muscles and ultrasound therapy to improve circulation. These improve movement by relieving tension, reducing inflammation, and increasing blood flow. Along with those, chiropractors have special exercises you can do at home that help with recovery. They may also perform adjustments to realign the cervical spine and restore fluid movement.

For more on why chiropractic care is the most effective treatment for whiplash, visit Whiplash Pain Center at our offices in Summerville, Charleston, North Charleston, or Holly Hill, South Carolina. Call (843) 371-1371, (843) 350-5022, (843) 821-7778, or (803) 496-3338 to book an appointment today.