- October 10, 2022
- Whiplash
Whiplash is a type of neck injury that occurs when the head is abruptly jerked forward or backward. The sudden movement can damage the delicate tissues in the neck, including the vertebrae, ligaments, and muscles.
Whiplash injuries are most often caused by a motor vehicle collision, but can also occur in other circumstances. According to Rush University, it affects nearly two million Americans annually and is not an injury that can be ignored. Our Fort Lauderdale whiplash treatment team is here to help patients.
The first step in treating a whiplash injury is to see a doctor or chiropractor and get a diagnosis. Once the diagnosis is made, the doctor will develop a treatment plan. At Specific Care Chiropractic, our custom treatment plan would include using effective chiropractic techniques to treat whiplash.
Symptoms of a Fort Lauderdale Whiplash Injury
According to Rush University, whiplash affects nearly two million Americans annually and is not an injury that can be ignored.
Whiplash can be caused by an accident or other hard impact. The symptoms of whiplash can range from mild to severe and may include neck pain, stiffness, headache, dizziness, and fatigue.
Other symptoms include:
- Vertigo
- Headache
- Fatigue
Fortunately, whiplash can be alleviated through good chiropractic care. If you have been injured in an accident or any other type of trauma, see a doctor or chiropractor right away to get checked for whiplash.
Causes of Whiplash Injuries
Whiplash can be caused by car accidents, sports injuries, or any other type of trauma that causes the head to snap suddenly. Even a fall or lifting a heavy object at work can cause whiplash injuries.
If you’ve been injured in a Fort Lauderdale car accident or even a sports accident that caused your neck to snap forward, a doctor or chiropractor should check for whiplash. Early diagnosis and treatment are important for reducing the risk of long-term complications.
Our chiropractors have extensive training and offer many options for treatment and rehabilitation to best help you recover from whiplash injuries.
Can Chiropractic Care Help Treat Whiplash Injuries?
Yes, chiropractic care can be an excellent treatment for whiplash injuries. Chiropractors are specially trained to diagnose and treat neck injuries and can provide relief from pain and other symptoms.
Our chiropractors can use a combination of therapies to treat your whiplash injury, including spinal manipulation, massage, and physical therapy. Chiropractic care can help to reduce pain, increase your range of motion, and improve function.
How Is Whiplash Diagnosed?
To ascertain the severity of your injury, a doctor will examine your neck and shoulders, looking for tenderness, muscle spasms, and reduced movement. Your doctor or chiropractor will take a medical history and perform a physical examination and order imaging tests, such as x-rays, MRI, or CT scans, to rule out other causes of your symptoms.
The doctor will ask you questions about:
- A history of any falls or accidents in the past
- The symptoms and timing of your pain
- Whether there have been any recent changes in your sleeping patterns or appetite
- Whether there’s been a change in your energy level or mood
How Can Fort Lauderdale Chiropractors Help Treat Whiplash?
Whiplash injuries are a common problem in the chiropractic field. Chiropractors can treat these injuries using their knowledge of the spine and its alignment.
The spine is made up of bones, muscles, and ligaments that work together to maintain the body’s posture and balance. When you get a whiplash injury, it can cause damage to these structures. The most common symptom is neck pain that radiates down the back of your shoulders.
Chiropractors use their knowledge of the spine to help with whiplash injuries by adjusting it back into its natural alignment. They also use specific exercises and stretches that help improve mobility in the neck and shoulders.
Chiropractors can also take an MRI and give a detailed report of any damage done to the spine. They’ll then apply muscle-relaxing techniques, like ice, heat, and massage to the affected region.
Chiropractic Treatment for a Whiplash Injury
There are several chiropractic methods used to treat whiplash injuries. Their effectiveness will depend on the symptoms. Some of the commonly used techniques include:
- Spinal Manipulation: This is where a chiropractor uses their hands to manipulate the joints of the spine, which can help to reduce pain and improve the range of motion.
- Massage Therapy: Massage therapy can help to reduce muscle tension, increase blood flow, and improve your range of motion.
- Physical Therapy: Physical therapy can help to strengthen the muscles and ligaments of the neck, reducing pain and improving function.
- Acupuncture: This is a traditional Chinese medicine technique in which needles are strategically inserted into the skin to relieve pain.
Benefits of Treating Whiplash Injuries With Chiropractic Care
Thanks to chiropractic care, you can use natural methods to get rid of the adverse effects of whiplash injuries. Chiropractic treatment can also help to increase your range of motion and improve the function of the affected areas of your body. If you’re not a fan of constant medication or fear surgery, then chiropractic care may be the ideal solution for you.
Finally, chiropractic care also focuses on post-treatment care to avoid the recurrence of the injury. For example, if your whiplash injury was caused by improperly lifting a heavy load at work, you could be advised to stop carrying such loads for at least six months.
Start Your Fort Lauderdale Whiplash Treatment
If you are a resident of Fort Lauderdale looking for chiropractic care, you’re in the right place. At Specific Care Chiropractic, we offer a variety of chiropractic services to help treat whiplash injuries, including spinal manipulation, massage therapy, physical therapy, and acupuncture. We also offer a variety of other services, such as lifestyle coaching to reduce the risk of re-injury.
Our chiropractors can customize your treatment plan to meet your individual needs. We offer a variety of payment options, including insurance reimbursement, to make our services affordable. Call us today at (239) 369-9109 to schedule an appointment. We look forward to helping you heal.
