Whiplash occurs when the neck is forced beyond its normal range of motion. This can occur with great force as seen in an automobile accident or even a good “bump” to the head that jars the neck. Whiplash can also occur as a repetitive strain injury or from continuously misusing your neck (holding the phone receiver to your shoulder while multi-tasking).
In all whiplash cases, several things occur. For one, the injured soft tissue in the neck (muscles, tendons, ligaments) becomes inflamed. Although inflammation is merely the body’s natural response to injury in an attempt to protect the area, it also slows the healing process because fluid flow is restricted. In other words, nourishing fluids cannot flow to the protected area and toxic fluids are not able to leave as quickly. Whiplash may cause spinal misalignment of the cervical vertebrae.
The neck is a very complex area of the spine. The components are numerous and include vertebrae, vertebral discs, muscles, tendons, ligaments, blood vessels and of course nerves. When whiplash occurs, nerve entrapment can lead to pain that radiates down the shoulder(s) or cervicogenic headaches. Nerve entrapment and compression of blood vessels can lead to headaches, migraines, dizziness and bed spins. Some patients suffer from vertigo and ringing in the ears (tinnitus).
The sooner your whiplash is evaluated and treatment is begun, the better the outcome. If whiplash is left untreated, serious problems may occur in the future such as disc degeneration, arthritis and the resulting chronic pain and headaches. It’s important to reduce tissue inflammation as well as realign the cervical spine in order to facilitate a healing environment.
At Gabriel Chiropractic, your Stamford, CT chiropractor, treating whiplash means restoring cervical spine health. After the initial evaluation, we will focus primarily on reducing inflammation through ultrasound, gentle stretching and manual manipulation. Ice and sometimes bracing is recommended.
After we relieve the initial pain and inflammation, work will begin to restore spinal alignment through gentle spinal manipulation. This will restore mobility and reduce the chances of future problems. Please call your Stamford, CT chiropractors TODAY and find out more about chiropractic care for whiplash! Start down a pain-free path NOW.