Whiplash is the most common chronic condition that occurs after a vehicular accident. Statistics show that approximately 3 million cases of whiplash occur annually in the United States. Since whiplash causes severe neck pain and stiffness, it is essential to visit a chiropractic clinic Tulsa like Bergman Chiropractic to undergo immediate management of your condition.
What is Whiplash?
Whiplash is a condition that occurs due to sudden directional changes that induce neck strain. Since the neck muscles contain supportive tendons, ligaments and muscles, the sudden impact from a collision will result to forward and backward movement of the head. This may cause a tear, rupture, or strain of the connective tissues of the neck. This will result in pain that is aggravated by muscle pressure upon moving the head.
How is Whiplash Detected?
Symptoms of whiplash become prominent two to three days after the injury. Common clinical manifestations include neck pain, decreased mobility, and tightness upon movement. During the evaluation, your chiropractor may also detect stiffness and reduced range of motion in your neck and shoulders. Recurrent episodes of a headache may also occur. To confirm the presence of whiplash, diagnostic imaging through radiography and computed tomography (CT) scan is necessary.
How Does Chiropractic Treatment Alleviate Neck Pain?
Whiplash treatment involves a series of chiropractic techniques to reduce neck pain. Muscle stimulation through neck exercises is necessary to increase circulation in the injured area. As a result, better blood flow promotes the transport of oxygen and nutrients that are important in muscle healing. Chiropractic adjustment also aims to provide mobilizing movement in the affected muscles to reduce strain and decrease tissue dysfunction.
The Bottom Line
Whiplash is a musculoskeletal condition that results in long-term neck pain if left untreated. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 60 percent of cases of whiplash become irreversible without early chiropractic intervention. Therefore, it is pivotal to visit a chiropractor at the earliest symptoms of neck stiffness to improve quality of life even after a vehicular accident.
