What is a Whiplash Injury
It is a common musculoskeletal condition described as an acute onset of pain and stiffness in the neck resulting from a sudden, forceful movement. Though whiplash treatment is most often required when an individual is involved in an automobile accident, the need can also arise from
- sports or recreational activities,
- something as simple as sleeping in an odd position,
- or even falling.
Chiropractic and physical therapy can both be employed to treat whiplash-related symptoms. Still, it’s essential to know exactly which approach to the whiplash treatment is most effective in your case. That is what the experts of South Barrie Health Group do. In our clinic, we practice an evidence-based approach to each case of physiotherapy whiplash treatment and create a treatment plan for each patient.
Let’s be honest: most people recover pretty soon after an injury-induced whiplash. Although in some cases, this may cause chronic neck pain or other underlying issues. It is important to note that the effects can be long-lasting if you have been affected by whiplash. Additionally, the spine, disks between the vertebrae, ligaments, and tissues in the neck may be damaged due to the injury under consideration. This could be another reason for worsening the case.
Lasting Effects of Whiplash
The lasting effects can manifest themselves like severe pain if a hands-off approach without chiropractic attention or physiotherapy whiplash treatment is taken.
It can cause severe pain in the neck, shoulder, head, upper back, and arms. Other symptoms may include different kinds of feelings like tingling, dizziness, memory issues, and even emotional issues. The reason for that is the built-up tension in the neck can damage the muscles and connective tissues. This will limit the range of motion and cause intense pain. To remedy this, contact a chiropractor or physiotherapist to break up any accumulated tension and prevent further damage. Physiotherapy or chiropractic care of whiplash injuries can become a remedy even in chronic cases.
Chiropractic Whiplash Treatment
Chiropractic care focuses on reducing pain in the neck and restoring the normal range of motion. A skilled chiropractor at South Barrie Health Group will begin by using manual manipulation or adjustments to the cervical spine, scapula, and related nerves and muscles. Such interventions aim to improve alignment and reduce muscle spasms. It will allow the patient to move more freely and with less pain.
Adjustments may also be used to address distortions and misalignments along the spine, as misalignment in adjacent vertebrae can contribute to pain and limited mobility in the neck. A chiropractor involved in whiplash treatment may also employ massage therapy and various stretching techniques to relax the muscles and reduce inflammation.
Physiotherapy Whiplash Treatment
Physical therapy can be an invaluable component of whiplash recovery, providing additional approaches to help the body heal and restore function. Physical therapy of whiplash injuries employs manual manipulation and specialized exercises to address misalignment, as chiropractic care does. But, compared to chiropractors, physiotherapists strive towards enhancing muscular imbalances and weaknesses. These may result from surgery, injuries, or even continuous stress. They mainly focus on the body’s movements and the performance of body parts like wrists, ankles, hips, and shoulders. Physiotherapy puts more focus on employing precise exercises targeted at managing your condition. Additionally, a physical therapist may devise a home-based exercise program for physiotherapy of whiplash and provide instruction on proper posture and body mechanics.
Choosing the precise approach between the two above will depend on the severity of symptoms and individual limitations. Still, it may include therapeutic exercises and various modalities such as ultrasound or electrical stimulation.
Ultimately, finding a qualified provider experienced in diagnosing and managing whiplash-related injuries is crucial to a successful recovery. While both chiropractic and physical therapy approaches can be beneficial, a thorough assessment and tailored treatment plan designed to address individual needs is the key. Depending on the severity of your injury and overall health, our specialists may recommend one approach, both of them, or even a multi-disciplinary approach. Both will include recommendations and exercises to avoid whiplash traumas in the future.
By exploring the distinct benefits chiropractic and physical therapy have to offer and by consulting with a healthcare provider familiar with whiplash, you can be sure your condition will be accurately diagnosticated. You will receive the plan for whiplash treatment required for your individual case.
