What is Whiplash and How Can Chiropractic Care Help?

With all the ice and snow on the streets of Burnsville, MN, you probably know someone who has been in a car accident and has whiplash. But, what is whiplash? And how can chiropractic care help whiplash patients?

According to Wikipedia, “Whiplash is a non-medical term describing a range of injuries to the neck caused by or related to a sudden distortion of the neck[1] associated with extension…..Whiplash can be described as a sudden strain to the muscles, bones and nerves in the neck.”

Whiplash is commonly associated with car accidents (typically when rear-ended), but it may also be sustained from head-banging, roller coaster rides, skiing accidents, bungee jumping and other falls. The most common symptoms include:  pain and aching to the neck and back, referred pain to the shoulders, sensory disturbance (such as pins and needles) to the arms and legs, and headache. It usually takes 2-48 hours for the symptoms to develop after the accident. Symptoms can often be resolved quickly with care, but in rare cases, they can persist for months or even years.

As with any injury, an assessment of the patient’s injuries is the first step. The most common chiropractic treatments include:

• Manipulation
• Muscle relaxation and/or stimulation
• Various exercises
• Ergonomic and lifestyle changes

The key to moving forward with a healthy and quality lifestyle is to address any injuries, and follow the care guidelines your chiropractor recommends.