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Whiplash: How To Effectively Treat It

Did you recently go through a traumatic accident that left you suffering from neck or shoulder pain? There is a good chance of you having whiplash and not knowing about it. Unfortunately, this injury only gets worse if left untreated. So let’s take a look at whatever there is to know about whiplash and the possible treatment. 

What Is Whiplash?

Whiplash is a term used to describe many neck disorders that are caused or linked to a sudden neck distortion followed by an extension. It frequently manifests after an unanticipated pressure on the neck’s muscles, bones, and nerves. The seven vertebrae that make up the neck are the cervical vertebrae. Severe flexion and extension during a traumatic incidence might damage these vertebrae.

Initial position (before the collision), retraction, extension, and rebound are the four main phases of whiplash. Due to inertia, the neck is steady in the initial posture since there is no strain on it. Nevertheless, cervical instability can result from whiplash injuries to the anterior longitudinal ligaments. During the retraction phase, the peculiar packing of soft tissues reveals when the actual damage happens.

The whole neck and head lengthen during the extension stage. But in the case of an automobile accident, the harm is minor thanks to head restraints. And last but not least, the rebound phase happens due to the previous stages.

The spine forms an S-shaped curve during the retraction stage due to simultaneous flexion and extension. As a consequence, injuries to the lower cervical vertebrae might also occur.

On the other hand, the head and cervical vertebrae undergo a complete extension during the extension phase. Due to this, whiplash injuries in the C5 and C6 segments are more likely.

What Are The Causes Of Whiplash?

Unsurprisingly, various factors can leave you needing a whiplash chiropractor. Down below are the most typical causes of this injury.

Car Accidents

The degree of a whiplash injury sustained in a car collision  depends on various factors, such as the contact angle. The crash typically happens from behind, culminating in a whiplash injury that goes through the following stages:

● When a car gets struck from the back, the passenger seat pushes against the vehicle’s rear. The backbone suffers severe strain as the cervical spine is forced upward against the head. 
● The body continues to move forward, while the head (which is not yet in contact with the headrest) does not. Resultantly, the cervical spine’s typical C-shape (lordosis curve) momentarily becomes an aberrant S-shape. Uneven compression and shearing stresses can harm intervertebral discs, facet joints, and other neck segments.
● The back of the individual’s head collides with the accelerating seat. Soft tissues at the front neck are likely to be injured as the neck quickly stretches rearward.
● As the head jerks forward after smashing against the car’s headrest, the seatbelt holds back the body, and the neck bends quickly. The soft tissues at the back of the neck become more vulnerable to damage.

While vehicle accidents are the most likely origin of whiplash, other factors have to undergo consideration too. So other than accidents, whiplash may also manifest after a sports injury, physical abuse, or a nasty fall. 

When To Visit A Doctor?

Accident physicians are always available to assist you if you are experiencing neck pain or other whiplash symptoms due to severe injury. It’s vital to get a quick diagnosis and rule out any broken bones or other injuries causing or exacerbating symptoms.

The doctor will take an initial diagnosis via verbal discussion. Afterward, you may have to get various screening tests, such as X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans. 

Treatment Options For Whiplash

Chiropractic Care

A chiropractor’s primary whiplash therapy includes stretching the affected muscle suffering from excessive tension. However, it may also be applicable for restricted muscles experiencing repetitive twitching. It is for associated muscular dysfunction, muscle relaxation, and stimulation.

A work injury chiropractor has a deep understanding of workers’ compensation systems and offers comprehensive care for individuals recovering from workplace injuries, not only prioritizing pain relief but also helping patients regain their functional capacity, which is crucial for a safe return to work. Their expertise in managing work-related injuries makes them invaluable in aiding workers on the path to recovery and restoring their livelihood.

Nevertheless, the chiropractor may utilize a more rigorous  stretch for severe muscle stiffness. For easing the discomfort linked with tensed muscles, they tend to use gentle finger pressure methods to trigger points.

For treating patients with whiplash injuries, chiropractors may also use a variety of other exercises, such as McKenzie exercises or stabilizing and sensorimotor activities.

McKenzie exercises help you recover from a whiplash injury by reducing disc degeneration. They include basic movements performed in the clinic but may effortlessly shift to self-care at home. McKenzie exercises also encourage the patient to participate in their healing.

On the other hand, stabilization and sensorimotor exercise techniques repair incorrect movement patterns in daily tasks. Whiplash therapy enhances the neurological system’s capacity to control and direct movement patterns. On top of that, it also addresses the neck muscles’ ability to maintain stability.

Your chiropractor may also advise you on lifestyle changes. These whiplash treatment tips include stress reduction techniques for conducting daily tasks with minimal pressure on the body. The chiropractic guidance covers elements at work, at home, and in leisure activities that contribute to the dysfunctions caused by injuries like whiplash.

Furthermore, spine care specialists at the chiropractic clinic may educate the patient on “use of self” and, if necessary, stress reduction techniques to deal with chiropractic issues.

Other Physical Therapy Options

Your doctor may recommend that you consult a physical therapist if you have chronic whiplash discomfort or need help with range-of-motion exercises. Physical therapy can help you feel better and save you from being hurt again. Your therapist will lead you through exercises to help you strengthen your muscles, correct your posture, and reclaim your natural range of motion.

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) may also be usable in some instances. TENS works by delivering a low-voltage electric current to the skin. As a result, this therapy may briefly relieve neck discomfort and enhance muscular strength.

The amount of physical therapy sessions required depends on the individual. Your physical therapist can also design a home workout schedule for you.

Foam Collars

Whiplash injuries were traditionally treated with soft foam cervical collars to keep the neck and head motionless. However, keeping the neck immobile for lengthy periods may reduce muscle strength and impede healing.

Even so, wearing a collar to limit mobility may help you sleep better at night and lessen discomfort shortly after your accident. However, there are different opinions on how to use a collar. Some experts recommend wearing it for no more than 72 hours, while others advocate wearing it for up to three hours every day for a few weeks. Nevertheless, your doctor can tell you how to use the collar appropriately and how long.

Surgery

Whiplash is seldom treatable with surgery. But if you have recurrent neck or shoulder pain, a surgical procedure may be necessary. If your problem hasn’t improved after a long period of non-surgical therapy, this may be your best alternative.

The surgeon will advise the most suitable treatment technique for your particular injury. You may ask many questions regarding the procedure so you know exactly how it happens, what the conclusion will be, how long it will take to recuperate, and so on. And when it comes down to it, surgery is all up to you. The surgeon can advise you, but the final decision is always yours.

Lifestyle Changes

Lifestyle changes following a whiplash injury play a crucial role in the healing process and pain management. Be mindful of your posture, particularly when working at a desk or using electronic devices, as maintaining good posture can reduce strain on your neck and shoulders. Ergonomic adjustments in your workspace and home can also help maintain proper alignment. Choose a supportive pillow and mattress to ensure a healthy sleeping environment. 

Avoid activities that could strain your neck, such as heavy lifting, and apply ice or heat as recommended for pain and inflammation. If prescribed, take pain-relief medications as directed, and consider a well-balanced diet to support healing. Manage stress through relaxation techniques, stay hydrated, and follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations, including the use of supportive devices like neck collars or braces. 

As you progress, gradually reintroduce normal activities, always keeping a pain journal to track symptoms and triggers, enabling better treatment adjustments with the guidance of a healthcare professional. Each whiplash injury is unique, so consult with your healthcare provider for tailored advice and treatment options based on your specific condition. Consistency in implementing these lifestyle changes can facilitate pain management and a smoother recovery process.

Final Thoughts

Suffering can make a person feel furious, helpless, discouraged, and less motivated to engage in physiotherapy and defy other efforts that promote their recovery. Having emotional support is nearly as essential for the victim as having physical assistance. A healthy supporting environment may keep the mood improved and keep you encouraged to stick to your care plan. Associate yourself with people that may assist you in overcoming the consequences, such as close friends and family. It is very typical for a stressful incident like a car accident to result in anxiety and melancholy. Whether you have unaddressed emotional or mental concerns because of your injury, seek counseling sessions. However, being unsure who to contact, your doctor can provide suggestions.

Regardless of the incidence, whiplash injuries can leave your body in an unfortunate situation. Out of all the treatment options, getting therapy from an affordable chiropractor may be suitable for you. However, staying out of dangerous circumstances is always the best idea to avoid such injuries.