7 Effective Chiropractic Treatments for Whiplash

Sudden force from a car accident, an awkward fall while playing sports, or an unexpected bump in a crowded street can cause neck injury. You may not feel the full impact immediately, but you may experience pain and stiffness shortly afterward. 

This is whiplash, a common injury caused by head flicks that strain the neck's muscles and ligaments. Research shows that it's often associated with motor vehicle accidents, putting 83% of patients in the US at risk of chronic disability. If you're experiencing radiating pain in your neck after a collision, it's important to seek medical attention promptly.

Do not delay treatment; find relief through early, noninvasive intervention. Discover the benefits of seven chiropractic treatments for whiplash that help you regain mobility and fully recover.

Spinal Adjustments

Spinal adjustments for whiplash are the most common chiropractic treatment. They realign the vertebrae to minimize nerve pressure, reduce neck pain, restore mobility, and improve overall nervous system function. Although they require several sessions, many patients report immediate relief after the adjustment.

Acupuncture Using the Teishin Needle or Microcurrent Technique

Acupuncture stimulates pressure points, directing the energy points to their optimal state while stimulating the production of natural pain relievers or endorphins. At Kosak, we perform the "needle-less" method with a Teishin needle and microcurrent. 

Similar to traditional acupuncture, this complementary therapy effectively restores imbalances, reduces inflammation, eases pain, and promotes effective whiplash recovery.

Electrical Muscle Stimulation

Electrical muscle stimulation goes by the 'pain gate theory,' suggesting that spinal nerves serve as gates that allow pain to travel to the brain or block pain messages altogether. 

This method employs a device that delivers current through electrodes on the skin, inducing muscle contractions. The intensity of the current determines the extent of the contractions, aiding in alleviating spasms, enhancing circulation, and expediting the healing process.

Intersegmental Traction

Intersegmental Traction therapy utilizes a special table with rollers moving along the spine to stretch and mobilize the spinal column gently. This Omaha chiropractic care technique stimulates the muscles to release tension and enhances the joints' range of motion and flexibility.

Corrective Exercises

Incorporating corrective exercises can help restore strength, flexibility, and stability in the neck, contributing to long-term healing and prevention. From isometrics to neck extensions, let’s quickly look at how they’re done for effective whiplash recovery. 

1. Isometrics: Place your palm on your forehead, then push your head against your palm without bending the neck. Hold for three to five seconds and repeat ten times per day.
2. Neck bend: Slowly move your chin towards your chest in your most comfortable position. Hold for three to five seconds, then gradually return to a normal position. Repeat ten times daily.
3. Neck turn: Stand straight and slowly turn your neck to the right. Then, return your neck to its normal position when you feel tension in your neck muscles. Repeat ten times a day on both sides.
4. Upper back twist: While sitting, turn your torso to the right and stop when you feel your muscles pull. Repeat on the left side. Perform twelve times on each side per day.
5. Neck extension: Sit up straight and bend your neck backward. While looking at the ceiling, stay in the same position for three to five seconds until you can feel a stretch. Return your neck to its normal position. Repeat ten times a day.

Soft Tissue Therapy

Soft tissue mobilization techniques like trigger point therapy and myofascial release are highly effective chiropractic treatments for whiplash.

Trigger point is a neuromuscular therapy designed to speed up injury recovery, correct muscular imbalances, and relieve pain. The treatment involves applying pressure to areas of muscle tightness or 'knots' to ease muscle tension and promote healing.

In contrast, myofascial release is a slow massage technique that gently applies pressure to the connective tissue and fascia, breaking restrictions and easing tightness. This technique also increases blood flow and soft tissue temperature, which helps reduce pain. 

Postural Screenings and Lifestyle Advice

Your first visit to Kosak is a critical step in your recovery. During this assessment, we conduct postural screenings to pinpoint misalignments and determine the extent of your injury. Through evaluation, we perform specific adjustments to ease discomfort and improve movement.

Alongside our effective chiropractic treatments, we highly recommend adjusting your workstation to be ergonomically friendly, taking regular breaks, and avoiding high-impact exercises to reduce muscle tension and stress. Combining these lifestyle adjustments with chiropractic care expedites recovery and enhances overall well-being.

Takeaway

Whiplash can be a debilitating injury, but with the proper treatment, recovery is possible. At Kosak Chiropractic and Acupuncture, we offer chiropractic treatments for whiplash, combining spinal adjustments, acupuncture, electrical muscle stimulation, intersegmental traction, corrective exercises, soft tissue therapy, and lifestyle advice to help you heal faster and support long-term health.

Struggling with whiplash? There's no need to suffer in silence. Dr. Kevin Kosak and our team are here to provide the unwavering support you need on your road to whiplash recovery in Omaha. 

Schedule an appointment today and take the first step towards a pain-free future!