A sprained neck is not easy to deal with. It comes with its fair share of hardships that make everyday tasks difficult and affect your quality of life. But what can be done to treat it?
What is Whiplash?
Whiplash, or neck sprain, happens when a person's neck moves rapidly in a back and forth motion. During such movements, the muscles, ligaments, and tendons are extended beyond their normal range. The severity of the injury depends on the intensity of the movement.
Research studies have concluded that elderly people and women are more likely to suffer from Whiplash than men. The primary reason behind it is the differences in height, muscles, and spine structure.
Whiplash can result from a car accident, sports activity, physical abuse and other similar reasons. Roller Coasters are also a hazard.
What are the symptoms of Whiplash?
The symptoms may appear instantly or after a while. They are classified into four grades, known as the Quebec Classification of Whiplash-Associated Disorders.
Grade 0:
At this point, the person suffering from Whiplash will not feel pain or discomfort.
Grade 1:
Pain and discomfort start to appear. The person may feel stiffness and have difficulty moving their neck freely.
Grade 2:
This includes physical signs of injury along with muscle spasms. The pain extends from the neck to the face and shoulder.
Grade 3:
Along with physical signs of injury, the person will also experience common neurological symptoms such as numbness, headache, vision problems, etc.
Grade 4:
This is the last and the most severe stage of symptoms. All physical and neurological symptoms are visible and their intensity is visibly high.
Can chiropractic care help treat Whiplash?
Using pain-relief medications and muscle relaxants only offer short-term relief. This may be a more cost effective option at first, but complete recovery takes time. Some people can return to normal life within a few days, while others may take several months.
Chiropractic care is an alternative treatment method that works better than the conventional type. The chiropractor will first examine the patient's spine to check for any tenderness, misalignment, ligament injury or restricted motion before starting the treatment.
Spinal manipulations are the most common technique used by chiropractors to help with Whiplash. It involves applying pressure on the affected area to relieve pain. Flexion-distraction technique, instrument-assisted manipulation and specific spinal manipulation are used depending on the patient's condition. Manual therapies may also be used to treat soft tissue injuries and restore the range of motion.
If you're looking for a chiropractor to treat Whiplash in California, AV Chiropractic Healthcare Center is the best in the business.