How Chiropractic Care Can Relieve Whiplash Pain

Whiplash is a common injury often caused by car accidents. It can lead to chronic pain, stiffness, and a range of other bothersome, even debilitating symptoms. 

For many, traditional pain management strategies don’t provide sufficient relief. However, chiropractic care is a proven and effective alternative in alleviating discomfort and restoring mobility after sustaining whiplash. 

Heath Hancock, DC of Smoky Hill Chiropractic in Salina, Kansas, understands the impairing impact of whiplash pain on daily life. In this blog, he explains how chiropractic care can alleviate that pain and help you reclaim an active life.

What is whiplash?

Whiplash occurs when your head is suddenly and forcefully jerked back and forth, causing the muscles and ligaments in your neck to stretch or tear. 

Rear-end vehicle collisions are a common cause of whiplash injuries. Even crashes under 20 mph can cause whiplash.

But car accidents aren’t the only culprit. Trauma from contact sports, falling, riding a rollercoaster, or being shaken or hit are also frequent causes. The rapid back and forth movement can result in a range of symptoms, including:

• Neck pain and stiffness
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Limited range of motion
• Tenderness in your shoulders, upper back, or arms

Many recover from whiplash within a few weeks, while others continue to experience symptoms for months or even years after their initial injury.

How can chiropractic care help with whiplash pain?

Chiropractic care is a therapeutic treatment focusing on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal disorders, particularly those affecting the spine. 

It involves manual adjustments and other noninvasive techniques to restore proper alignment and function to your spine, which can help relieve pain and promote healing.

Whiplash used to be almost exclusively treated with neck collars, but emerging research shows that gentle exercises and stretching help the neck heal far more quickly and preserve its range of motion.

Chiropractic offers several benefits in restoring health and mobility after whiplash. These include:

Pain relief

Chiropractic adjustments can help relieve pain by realigning your spine and reducing pressure on the affected nerves. This may also decrease inflammation and promote your body’s natural healing process.

Restoring your range of motion

Whiplash injuries can cause stiffness and limited movement in your neck and surrounding areas. Chiropractic care can help to restore your normal range of motion by breaking up scar tissue and improving joint function.

Strengthening your neck muscles

In addition to a realignment, Dr. Hancock recommends targeted exercises and stretches to strengthen your neck muscles, which can provide additional support and stability.

Preventing chronic pain

By addressing the underlying cause of whiplash pain, chiropractic care can help prevent the development of chronic pain and long-term complications.

Holistic approach

Chiropractic care considers the whole person and aims to address not just the symptoms but the root cause of the problem. This approach can lead to lasting relief and improve your overall health.

Dr. Hancock uses various techniques, including spinal adjustments, soft tissue therapy, and rehabilitative exercises, to create a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your unique needs.

Don’t let whiplash hold you back any longer — book an appointment with Dr. Hancock today

and begin your journey to recovery. Call the office at (785) 262-8276 or request an appointment using our online booking tool.