Top 7 Whiplash Injury Treatment Options

Top 7 Whiplash Injury Treatment Options

Top 7 Whiplash Injury Treatment Options

Are you suffering from whiplash pain and don't know what to do about it? Read on and learn about these whiplash injury treatment options here.

Keyword(s): whiplash injury treatment

Whiplash often causes post-traumatic cervical pain. They're the most common injury in traffic-related accidents. Each year, about three million people suffer from whiplash injuries to their necks and spines.

In these accidents, the neck goes through a drastic moment of hyperextension (where the neck flings too far back) followed by an immediate instance of hyperflexion (where the neck whips too far forward).

In the end, whiplash creates the perfect storm where a collection of symptoms emerge. What might begin as neck pain can turn into a headache, shoulder pain, dizziness, or difficulty concentrating.

So, what about whiplash treatment options? The good news is that, because it's such a common affliction, a multitude of treatment options have emerged.

Here at our practice, we like to help our patients escape the drain of pain with treatment options that don't require drugs. Read on to learn more.

1. Chiropractic Manipulation

Chiropractic manipulation (also referred to as chiropractic adjustment) happens at the hands of licensed chiropractic doctors.

During this time, chiropractors use their hands, or specific instruments, to apply a controlled and sudden force to a specific joint in the spine.

When done properly, this can improve spinal movement as well as your body's overall physical function.

During this time, patients might hear a series of sounds that echo cracking and popping. Without question, that can be scary.

But, what's really happening here is a release of pent-up gases that are inhibiting proper spinal movement and overall physical function. This is actually a good sign when you hear the popping sound. It means that your joints are moving again. When the joints don't move, this is a source of pain.

2. Ice Treatment

Whiplash treatment can continue from the comfort of home. Patients often wonder if they should apply heat or cold after a whiplash injury.

The answer is ice. You want to slow the blood circulation to the affected area. The goal is to bring down the inflammation and get ahead of any potential spasms.

However, there are certain instances when ice should not be applied.

For example, people who have diminished feeling in their hands or feet need to consult their doctor first. Likewise, patients with cardiovascular disease need to speak to a doctor first, as further reducing blood flow may not be advisable. Applying heat to the area is not good for an acute injury. Heat will inflame an injured area and take longer to heal.

3. Interferential Therapy

Once your physician has assessed your individual needs, they may consider interferential therapy. In this method of treatment, a low electrical frequency is applied which can stimulate nerve activity.

For these patients, it can reduce swelling at the site of application and diminish pain. When this happens, lost movement may be restored and natural hormones can be stimulated which can increase healing time.

4. Ultrasound Therapy

Ultrasound therapy is often paired with other whiplash treatment exercises, e.g., rehabilitation exercises. Like interferential therapy, this method of treatment can ease pain, and improve range of motion and strength.

One of the ways this happens is because ultrasound therapy may enhance the body's cartilage repair process.

Ultrasound therapy releases gentle sound waves into the system which are then converted to heat deep within the tissue. This, in turn, opens up blood vessels and allows the healing power of oxygen to reach the site and facilitate healing.

5. Cervical Traction

Cervical traction is often considered an advanced treatment option. Believe it or not, this method of treatment gently pulls the patient's head and stretches the neck muscles.

This might sound scary but, again, at the hands of a licensed chiropractic professional, it will keep the neck mobilized.

In the end, this can provide relief. In some instances, patients may even benefit from a portable traction device that can be used at home.

6. Rehabilitation Exercises

Healthcare has advanced to such a point where the exercises herein are numerous and varied. Here are some examples:

• Chin tucks - which stretch the muscles in the cervical spine and can increase mobility

• Side bends - which can decrease tightness and promote mobility

• Isometrics - which can strengthen the muscles in the neck and upper spine

• Prone cobras - which can strengthen the muscles in the neck, upper spine, and shoulder area

• Corner stretches - which can stretch the muscles in the front of the neck, the chest, and the scapulae

This is a small sampling. But, you can see how, when patients are ready, these exercises can rehabilitate/strengthen vital muscles that were compromised in the accident.

7. Acupuncture

Would you engage in a relatively painless series of treatments that can relieve your pain, regulate your emotions, increase your energy levels, and enhance your overall quality of life?

These are just a handful of the benefits that those who seek acupuncture for whiplash treatment can attest to. All this is achieved by targeting the body's blood flow.

When the body experiences a trauma like whiplash, blood stasis often occurs. That is, the blood ceases to flow properly to the affected area. This not only generates pain but also impedes the recovery process.

Acupuncture is a centuries-old practice that has stuck around for a reason; many, many patients can attest to its validity, whether it be whiplash, depression, anxiety, or any other number of other ailments.

Effective Whiplash Injury Treatment for You

Although whiplash is common, you can rest assured that whiplash injury treatment options are plentiful and effective.

You don't have to take pain medicine to disguise the pain. Instead, you can attack the root of the problem and promote healing through natural methods.

Of course, if any of these whiplash treatment options don't work, then we always refer our patients out as needed. But, those cases are the minority, not the majority.

Get out of pain and find relief without drugs. If you've been suffering and live in the

Chicagoland area like: Elmhurst, IL, Northlake, Lombard, Villa Park, Stone Park, Melrose Park, Berkeley and Bensenville, we invite you to contact us today, 24/7 at 800-862-5914. Together, let's start the process of full-body relief.