Being involved in a car crash can be a right pain in the neck – in more ways than one. Not only do you have to deal with numerous phone calls to the insurance company and the hassle of repairing your vehicle, but you may also have physical injuries to deal with. The most common injury motorists suffer from after a collision is whiplash, as this can occur even in low speed collisions.
What is Whiplash?
Whiplash is a neck condition which can be caused by a sudden movement of the head forwards, backwards or sideways. It is usually apparent after a road accident but can also be caused by contact sports or a fall. The tissues in the neck become stretched or sprained – serious cases of whiplash are typically a sprained neck.
Every case of the condition is different, and while some people recover in a few weeks, some people suffering with whiplash can have long term symptoms. The range of movement in your neck is often affected, and you may not be able to carry out normal daily tasks such as driving or cleaning the house.
Treatments for Whiplash
In the first instance you should see a GP if you have been involved in an accident and think you may have whiplash. If you notice symptoms such as a stiff neck, muscle spasms, pain in the shoulders and arms or a headache, you are probably suffering from whiplash. The symptoms often get worse in the first few days after the injury before they get better.
Pain medication will often be prescribed for whiplash, and it is advised to keep the neck mobile rather than fitting it in a brace or collar. In some cases, physiotherapy or certain stretches will be recommended to try and speed up the healing process.
How can a Chiropractor Alleviate the Pain for Whiplash?
As experts in neck and spinal alignment, chiropractors are well equipped to deal with neck injuries such as whiplash. Spinal adjustments in the affected area can increase mobility and ease the pain, without the need for ongoing medication. Soft tissue therapy and massage can also be used by a manual therapy practitioner to relieve the symptoms of neck pain and whiplash.
Each case of whiplash is different, so a chiropractor will assess the range of movement in a full consultation before deciding on the best course of treatment. A wide range of gentle chiropractic techniques can be used to find the source of the pain and speed up the healing process for whiplash.
If you’re suffering from whiplash from a recent traffic accident, or have long term symptoms which aren’t getting better, speak to Canary Wharf Chiropractic Clinic today.
