Around 2 million Americans sustain whiplash injuries each year. These cases can be helped by chiropractic care. A chiropractor can help patients deal with the long-term and short-term effects of whiplash injuries. Let’s first discuss the definition of whiplash and the many benefits Chiropractic care offers in treating whiplash Palm Coast Chiropractor.

What is whiplash exactly? Surprisingly, “whiplash”, although it is a medical term, is not an official one. Whiplash is an informal term that’s used to describe a strain or sprain to the neck’s soft tissues. Whiplash is considered an acceleration-deceleration type injury and occurs when the cervical spine, or neck, is abruptly forced to stretch and move beyond its normal range of motion. This is usually a neck extension that causes the neck to flex forward and back beyond its normal anatomical range. The cervical spine is subject to overload injuries due to the excessive force applied. The injury to the neck is actually a tear of ligament and muscle fibers. Whiplash is a primary injury to muscles and ligaments. However, it can also cause injury to intervertebral discs, nerve roots, and other structures. You can get minor injuries to serious.

The body’s response to injury can make matters worse. The muscles around the injury area contract in spasm to stabilize and splint the area. This is the body’s attempt to limit movement and prevent further injury. The body attempts to create its own soft collar to restrict movement of the neck and head. This can lead to chronic pain, inflammation and stiffness, as well as loss of movement.

Whiplash is often associated with an auto accident but can also occur in other situations. Whiplash can also occur from a fall or an impact or collision at a sporting event, or other recreational activity. Examples include a fall from horses, a collision in football or an impact in basketball, boxing or hockey.

What are the symptoms of whiplash and how can they be treated? A cervical strain is often accompanied by headaches. Other symptoms of whiplash include neck pain and headaches.

– Neck stiffness

– Dizziness

– Shoulder pain

– Back Pain

Vision changes

– Unusual sensations in the neck and hands (such as burning, pins or needles, numbness or tingling).

Whiplash symptoms don’t always indicate whether a patient has it. Surprisingly, they can be misleading. Whiplash can be subtle and not always apparent at the injury site. Whiplash-related injuries are often not recognized by the victim. This is because the injury does not cause neck pain. It is a mistake, as symptoms such as a cervical strain or sprain can take a while to manifest. The onset of symptoms in severe injuries is generally faster. Whiplash injuries can cause severe pain and symptoms within minutes or hours. Whiplash symptoms that are milder may not be felt for several weeks or even months.

Because the accident happened at low speeds, many victims of an auto accident don’t seek treatment. Whiplash can only be caused by high-speed impacts, which is the common misconception among the public. It is not true. Research shows that cervical spine soft tissues have a threshold of 5 mph for injury. This means that a force of 5 mph or more can theoretically cause injury to the muscles, ligaments, and tendons of the neck.

There are many factors that can affect the likelihood of whiplash from an automobile accident. Speed is only one factor. Additional factors include the position of the head, neck, direction, position of vehicle headrests, wear of a seatbelt, and whether or not the occupants were able to see the impact coming.

Any impact or collision must be treated seriously. It is important that victims of car accidents or other impacts consult a healthcare provider immediately afterward, even if they do not have any symptoms. A chiropractor is a great option.

A Chiropractor is one of few health care professionals who are as knowledgeable about the anatomy of the cervical spine and as prepared to deal with the musculoskeletal consequences of whiplash-related injuries. The normal structure and function the cervical spine is taught to chiropractors. They can also recognize and treat whiplash injuries, both acute and chronic.

A patient suffering from whiplash injuries in its acute phase can benefit greatly from chiropractic care. A chiropractor will focus on the early stages of whiplash, which is when inflammation, muscle spasms, pain and other symptoms are most severe. A Chiropractor will focus on gentle treatment during this phase. Ice and cold therapy are used to reduce swelling, inflammation, and pain. To reduce pain and relax muscles, a Chiropractor might also use therapeutic ultrasound or electric muscle stimulation. Many Doctors of Chiropractic have access to early treatments such as cold laser therapy, trigger point therapy and massage therapy.