It is estimated that 2 million Americans are involved in a whiplash injury each year. When the term whiplash is used most people envision someone involved in a car collision. However, these injuries can occur from many lifestyle activities. Falls, impacts to the head and physical accidents which traumatize the neck are also common causes neck/whiplash injury. I know a person who was in a low crawl space who accidentally "jammed" his neck while moving about causing a whiplash problem. Whiplash-type complaints can occur from sports and activities like football, soccer, cheerleading and lacrosse.
If one experiences whiplash it is important to take the injury seriously to avoid long-term consequences. Approaches and treatment that minimizes pain and promote recovery are imperative. This article will discuss whiplash type injuries and safe, gentle, natural care for this problem.
An increase in one's age is associated with whiplash injury risk. A person with osteoarthritis and, generally less neck movement, is more prone to neck injury if an accident occurs. Falls among the elderly are especially significant with respect to whiplash disorders and the need for prompt evaluation and treatment.
If a person is involved in an automobile crash or suffers a traumatic impact it is important to take even minor symptoms as warning signs. A headache or slight neck discomfort, stiffness or limited range of motion should not be ignored. Abnormal findings can be discovered by simple tests.
A doctor of chiropractic is trained to determine if a person has incurred a whiplash associated disorder. Chiropractors undergo extensive training in anatomy, bio-mechanics and kinesiology. A chiropractor can also read and interpret x-ray and MRI imaging.
Physical examination may show spasm of muscles, decrease of normal neck ranges of motion, misalignment or improper motion of the spinal bones of the neck causing pinched nerves and irritated joints.
If examination shows that whiplash injury has occurred a chiropractor can provide treatment. A common treatment method a chiropractor may employ is called manipulation. Another term for manipulation is chiropractic spinal adjustment. It is a safe, gentle manual therapy for managing neck pain. An expert chiropractic adjustment is performed with a gentle movement of the doctor's hands to correct a malpositioned spinal bone of the neck. It brings neck pain relief to the patient. Since these methods are a physical mechanical approach, they are natural and no pharmacologic's or surgery is necessary.
Anyone who is involved in a whiplash associated disorder would be well advised to not delay evaluation and care. Waiting only increases the risk that they may develop chronic symptoms. It is important to take whiplash injury seriously and gain neck pain relief.
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