In most auto accidents, victims suffer from whiplash trauma, which is a violent jerking of the head forwards and backwards due to rear end or side collision. The resultant injury damages the ligaments, tendons, and sometimes causes disk herniation. You need a specialist such as Wirth Chiropractic in Greenville, NC to treat these types of injuries.
Therefore, if you have been in an accident, it is highly advisable to consult a chiropractor, as the general doctor may not be able to provide effective treatment for such injuries. Sometimes when you have sustained whiplash injuries, you may not experience any symptoms for days, weeks, and even months. A chiropractor will be able to detect this injury and provide the required treatment, by which you can avoid complications later.
Since each whiplash injury is different, the chiropractic treatment cannot be generalized. Wirth Chiropractic in Greenville, NC will conduct a thorough examination of the patient and may order further tests such as x-rays or scans to confirm diagnosis. The treatment will depend on the type and extent of whiplash injury. It will be mainly focused on treating the primary dysfunctions that were detected during examination.
Usually the following treatments are used for treating whiplash:
Manipulation
Spinal manipulation is the primary treatment for treating joint dysfunction. In this treatment the chiropractor will gently move the joint in question, in the direction that it feels restricted. This treatment is also called chiropractic adjustment and it might involve slow mobilizing movement or even a short thrust.
Muscle Stimulation and/or Relaxation
This is the primary treatment for muscle dysfunction caused by whiplash injury. Stimulation and relaxation treatment mainly consists of repeated contractions to inhibited muscles, or gently stretching muscles with excessive tension. Very tight muscles may be given vigorous stretches, and pressure with fingers is applied at specific points to relieve pain related to the tightness.
Exercises
Depending on the type of whiplash injury, Wirth Chiropractic in Greenville, NC might also prescribe certain types of exercises for reducing disc derangement and for correcting faulty movement patterns. These exercises will have simple movements and they will be taught at the doctor’s office, and the patient is asked to continue with them at home.
They can be done during commercials when you are watching your favorite show or when you are watching the show itself.
Lifestyle Changes and Advice on Ergonomics
Wirth Chiropractic in Greenville, NC will address issues concerning the patient’s work and recreational activities. Advice will be given on how to perform various routine activities without causing undue stress to joints and muscles. Several methods to reduce stress on the body will also be taught to quicken recovery.
