Whiplash TreatmentAlbany, OR
Whiplash can occur from any trauma that causes a rapid, back-and-forth movement of the head. A chiropractor can offer several methods of whiplash treatment. Whiplash treatment can help you return to a healthy, functioning life.
Whiplash treatment is available at Better Pain Solutions in Albany and the surrounding area. There is no reason for you to suffer. Call us today at (541) 249-7317 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.
Understanding Whiplash
According to the Mayo Clinic, whiplash is a neck injury caused by a "forceful, rapid back-and-forth movement of the neck." Whiplash may be considered a type of neck sprain or strain. Though most people with whiplash get better within a few weeks after following a treatment plan, including pain medication and exercise, others have chronic neck pain and long-lasting complications.
As mentioned above, whiplash generally occurs as a result of a quick and forceful movement of the head. This motion may also injure bones in the disks between the bones, ligaments, muscles, nerves, spine, and other tissues of the neck. While it is frequently caused by rear-end collisions, it may also be caused by sports accidents and other types of traumas.
“Whiplash may be considered a type of neck sprain or strain.”
Symptoms of Whiplash
The most common signs of whiplash include the following:
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Headaches that usually start at the base of the skull
- Loss of range of motion in the neck
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Tenderness or pain in the shoulder, upper back, or arms
- Worsening of pain with neck movement
These symptoms typically develop within days of the injury. However, some people also develop:
- Blurred vision
- Depression
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability
- Memory problems
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Sleep disturbances
“These symptoms typically develop within days of the injury.”
Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Whiplash
A chiropractor can help guide a patient's discs back in line after experiencing whiplash. Certain chiropractic exercises can also be done at home, allowing the patient to become an active participant in their recovery. These exercises can also correct faulty movement patterns putting stress on the spine or neck and train the nervous system to become more controlled.
Furthermore, a chiropractor may recommend certain lifestyle changes related to the strain one puts on their body. Muscle relaxation and stimulation can also help expedite a patient's recovery. Chiropractors can also work in conjunction with physical therapists for a patient's full recovery.
“A chiropractor can help guide a patient’s discs back in line after whiplash.”
Diagnosing Whiplash
A chiropractor can diagnose whiplash when the patient "reports some type of neck pain in the aftermath of trauma capable of causing an acceleration-deceleration injury." Diagnosis typically begins with a complete patient history followed by a physical examination. If a fracture or neurological problem is suspected, diagnostic imaging may be needed.
Some options for diagnostic imaging include X-ray, MRI scan, CT scan, and bone scan. X-ray imaging can show the bones and assist the chiropractor in identifying where the fracture is, while an MRI scan shows the soft tissues and bones. Furthermore, a CT scan combines multiple X-rays into better images with a computer, and a bone scan can help in detecting tiny fractures
“Diagnosis typically begins with a complete patient history followed by a physical examination.”
Whiplash Treatment
There are several ways a chiropractor can treat whiplash. Some of the most common include spinal manipulation, muscle relaxation or stimulation, various exercises, and ergonomic and lifestyle changes. The main whiplash treatment for joint dysfunction is spinal manipulation.
According to Spine-Health, in spinal manipulation, the chiropractor gently moves the affected joint "into the direction in which it is restricted." This is also known as a chiropractic adjustment. Muscle relaxation and stimulation is the primary whiplash treatment for related muscle dysfunction, and it consists of "gentle stretches to the muscle that has excessive tension or repeated contractions" of the inhibited muscle.
“The main whiplash treatment for joint dysfunction is spinal manipulation.”
Call Us Today
Whiplash can make your everyday life painful. We can help. Call us today at (541) 249-7317 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.
Check out what others are saying about our Whiplash Treatment services on Yelp: Whiplash Treatment Albany
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What are the symptoms of whiplash?
Q. What are some of the advantages of chiropractic care for whiplash?
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What happens if I do not treat my whiplash?
A. Serious complications may arise if you do not treat your whiplash. Chronic neck pain, chronic headaches, vertigo, and pain or stiffness may occur. Other complications include herniated discs, misaligned spine, and temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ).
Q. What causes whiplash pain?
A. Whiplash pain is caused by an external force "whipping" the cervical spine beyond its natural range of motion. This misalignment puts the nearby nerves under pressure, triggering neck pain, headaches, and migraines. The unexpected force may also strain the soft tissues and ligaments in the neck.
Q. Do I still need to see a chiropractor if I have already gone to the emergency room?
A. You are still advised to see a chiropractor after going to the emergency room. Medication can temporarily alleviate your pain, but it is not a long-term solution. A chiropractor can diagnose and treat various musculoskeletal injuries, such as whiplash.
Q. Do I need to have been in a serious car accident to suffer a whiplash injury?
A. Even automobile collisions at speeds as slow as five mph can seriously damage the cervical spine. As mentioned before, any trauma that causes a rapid, back-and-forth movement of the head can cause a whiplash injury. Whiplash can even result from minor fender benders.
Q. Will my insurance company pay for my whiplash treatment?
A. It depends on the conditions of your accident. We can help you determine how much of the cost, if any, you will have to pay. Call us today.
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