Rock Therapy

Whiplash… What’s Going On?

Whether from a car accident, a sports injury, or even a fall, whiplash can be a challenging, painful, disorienting, and unsettling experience. The neck first undergoes hyperextension (bending backward) followed by hyperflexion (bending forward). This rapid movement can strain or tear the muscles, ligaments, and tendons in the neck. In some cases, the rapid movement can cause the vertebrae to compress nerves in the neck, leading to symptoms like tingling, numbness, headaches, or even weakness in the arms. This sudden movement can also affect mechanoreceptors in the cervical spine that provide sensory input crucial for balance, coordination, and proprioception. Injury to these receptors can lead to proprioceptive dysfunction, causing dizziness and a sense of disorientation.

Healing Process for Whiplash

The healing process for whiplash involves reducing inflammation, managing pain, and gradually restoring normal movement and strength. Treatment may include:

• Rest and ice/heat therapy
• Pain medications and anti-inflammatory drugs
• Physical therapy and exercises to improve strength and flexibility
• Chiropractic care and other manual therapies

Chiropractic Treatments for Whiplash

During your first visit, the chiropractor will take a detailed medical history and perform a thorough physical examination to assess your condition. They may also request imaging studies like X-rays if needed. Based on the findings, they’ll create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. This plan may include:

Spinal Adjustments

One of the primary techniques is spinal manipulation or adjustments. This involves applying controlled force to specific joints to improve spinal alignment and function, with the goal of alleviating pain and restoring range of motion in patients with whiplash.

Soft Tissue Therapy

Chiropractors use manual therapies, such as massage and myofascial release, to address muscle tension and ligament injuries associated with whiplash. These therapies aim to reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and facilitate the healing of soft tissues.

Flexion-Distraction Technique

The flexion-distraction technique is a gentle, non-thrusting spinal manipulation particularly beneficial for patients with disc injuries or degeneration. This technique involves using a specialized table that distracts and flexes the spine in a rhythmic motion, helping to reduce pressure on spinal discs and alleviate pain.

Corrective Exercises

Chiropractors often prescribe corrective exercises to strengthen the neck muscles, improve posture, and enhance flexibility. These exercises help in restoring normal movement patterns and preventing future injuries.

Whiplash can be a disorienting and painful experience, but with the right care and treatment, recovery is entirely possible. Chiropractic care offers a holistic approach to managing whiplash, addressing both the symptoms and the underlying causes. By incorporating spinal adjustments, soft tissue therapy, flexion-distraction techniques, and corrective exercises, chiropractors can help patients regain their strength, flexibility, and overall well-being. If you’re experiencing whiplash, consider consulting a chiropractor to explore the benefits of this comprehensive treatment approach.

See also: neck pain

Whiplash Treatment Brisbane

We are located just across the road from Suncorp Stadium! If you’re experiencing whiplash, be sure to book in with Matt our Myotherapist, Boden our Massage Therapist or Dr. Jack our Chiropractor. They can not only help with the injuries you have currently, but also guide you towards strengthening to make sure it doesn’t happen again! We see whiplash in clinic very regularly so you’ll be in good hands 🙂

So click here to make a booking today, our feel free to contact us by filling out the contact form below 🙂