What is Whiplash?

Whiplash is the medical term for a neck injury which occurs when there is heavy trauma to the head and neck caused by harsh impact and sudden movements of the neck back and forth, imagine the quick flash of a whip, hence the name. Whiplash is a common result of motor vehicle accidents, head on collisions in contact sports and other traumatic events.

Neck Injuries caused from whiplash

Symptoms of Whiplash

Most victims of a car accident are checked for whiplash. The most commonly occurring symptoms of whiplash would include extreme neck pain, neck stiffness as well as headaches. The can also be symptoms of other neck and spinal cord injuries, but it is important to be checked for whiplash as well.

Chiropractic Care for Whiplash

Your doctor will examine you in order to judge the exact severity of the whiplash, and will devise a treatment plan accordingly. The treatment prescribed will deal with the exact issues and muscular trauma that were uncovered in the initial whiplash diagnosis. Possible treatment for whiplash includes:

  1. a) Muscle massage and manipulation
    b) Lifestyle changes including new pillows and supportive furniture
    c) The stimulation or the relaxation of the affected muscle area
    d) Doing the right physical activity to treat the injury

Every injury is unique, and Ryan Overton DC will design a custom treatment program to suit your exact requirements.

Spinal Manipulation

The ideal treatment method for whiplash and the related muscle and joint injuries is spinal manipulation.

Muscle Stimulation/Relaxation

A further way for muscles to heal is through a series of gentle stretches and relaxation which will help strengthen the neck muscles and promote the healing process. This treatment will be used in conjunction with other treatments as prescribed.

Sensorimotor/Stabilization Exercises

Sensorimotor and stabilization exercises are designed for each individual on a case by case basis. There are specific exercises which would need to be done, depending on the extent of the injury. If you have recently been in a motor vehicle accident in the Columbus, GA area give us a call.

Whiplash should never go untreated, as without proper diagnosis, it can get progressively worse.