Each whiplash case is different and for that reason it is difficult to summarize chiropractic treatments for whiplash. However it is possible to provide a short description of the five most common procedures used by chiropractors to treat whiplash. Your chiropractor may use any one of these procedures, or a combination of them, to treat your whiplash. Your chiropractor may also give you a referral to another medical specialist if he or she believes you need it. Your chiropractor will decide which procedures to use based on the main problems discovered during your first examination. Depending upon the severity of your whiplash, you may require multiple visits to your chiropractor
The first treatment is spinal manipulation. This is often the first choice by a chiropractor for joint issues. It realigns the spinal joints and allows the joints to regain their natural range of movement. This is often accomplished by gently rotating the patient's head in the direction of joint stress or dysfunction. After a few rotations, your chiropractor will use either a quick thrust or a slow, steady movement to realign the joints. Some chiropractors prefer the slow, steady movement for nervous or first-time patients.
Most chiropractors use muscle stimulation or relaxation techniques to treat the muscle problems associated with whiplash injuries. For example, if your muscle appears to be weak, your chiropractor will stimulate the muscle to encourage contractions. If you have the opposite problem, your muscles are too tense, your chiropractor will help stretch the muscle to relieve the tension. The intensity of the stretches depends on how tight your muscle is, tighter muscles require more intense stretches. In many cases, these stretches may be painful. If this is the case, your chiropractor may apply pressure to trigger points to relieve your pain.
Once your spine has been successfully realigned, your chiropractor may provide you with specific exercises to help reduce the chance of your discs becoming misaligned again. These exercises are called McKenzie exercises. Your chiropractor will initially show you how to do these exercises in his or her office, then give you instructions on how to do them at home. These were designed to be easy for patients who want to take an active role in treating their whiplash.
Another type of exercise that may be assigned to you is stabilization exercises, or sensorimotor exercises. These exercises are designed to train the nervous system to better coordinate and improve movement patterns for everyday activities. They can also increase the strength of your neck muscles, which improves the stability of your neck. These exercises can be used in a variety of whiplash injuries, ranging from minor trauma as a result of playing sports to major trauma from a car accident or a fall.
Another treatment for whiplash is most appropriate after your body has healed and is more for preventing whiplash than treating your current injury. This treatment is lifestyle and ergonomic advice for performing everyday activities with very little stress on your body. This advice takes into account your job, your hobbies and home projects that can irritate your whiplash injury. Your chiropractor will give you advice on how to accomplish daily activities without putting unneeded stress on your body.
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