Chiropractic care and treatment is often used to provide relief to individuals suffering from whiplash. The exact treatment used by chiropractors may vary depending on the circumstance and will be determined by the dysfunctions that are found during an initial chiropractic exam. However, some of the main treatments employed by Snellville chiropractors during the treatment process include:
- Muscle stimulation or relaxation
- Manipulation
- Exercise
- Lifestyle or ergonomic changes
Muscle Stimulation or Relaxation
This is one of the most common whiplash treatment methods for dysfunction related to the muscles. Chiropractors will provide gentle tension to the muscles with excessive tension. Finger pressure techniques are applied to certain trigger points in order to relieve pain that comes along with tightened muscles.
Manipulation
Manipulation is one of the most common treatment methods for whiplash when joint function is experienced. Spinal manipulation is used by chiropractors and consists of moving the joint gently into the restricted direction. These manipulations are also known as chiropractic adjustments and can involve applying short thrusts in the problem direction. In other cases, a chiropractor will use a slow mobilizing move instead of a thrust.
Exercise
During Snellville whiplash treatment, chiropractors may use direct exercises to help treat patients. These may include McKenzie exercises or sensorimotor and stabilization exercises.
McKenzie Exercises
These exercises are designed to reduced derangement of discs that are related to whiplash. They include simple movements done first in the office by then used at home for self-care.
Sensorimotor and Stabilization Exercises
These exercises work to correct problems with movement patterns I everyday life and routine activities. They work to train the individual’s nervous system to better control movement patterns. They are specifically designed to treat an injury after a major trauma, including whiplash after a car accident.
Lifestyle or Ergonomic Changes
Chiropractors will provide patients with advice on changes to make at work and home to minimize the dysfunctions that occur after a whiplash accident. They may also teach patient how to use methods in stress reduction to relieve chiropractic issues.