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Why Chiropractic Care is Perfect for Whiplash Treatment

Written By LaVallee Chiropractic on April 30, 2018

You’re cruising down I-95 in Augusta, when all of a sudden, a sea of red taillights litter your view ahead. You slam on your brakes, like everyone else, but the person behind you doesn’t react quickly enough and rear ends your car. 

The impact of the hit causes more pain than you’d like to admit, including: neck pain, tenderness, achiness, lightheadedness, blurred vision, and/or headaches. 

These are all symptoms of whiplash. Luckily, whiplash treatment can come from safe, non-invasive chiropractic care. We’ll explain how this works. 

What is Whiplash?

Medically, the official term for whiplash is cervical acceleration/deceleration (CAD) syndrome.  It’s defined as a neck injury that occurs when the head is suddenly forced forwards and then backwards, creating extreme stress to the spine. While commonly associated with car accidents, whiplash can also occur from sports injuries, falls, or being punched and shaken. 

The symptoms outlined above can occur from the moment of impact, or delayed up to 24 hours later. Depending on the severity of the accident, the healing process can differ in approach and length of time to recover. 

Whiplash Treatment with Chiropractic Care

The advantage of seeking chiropractic help when suffering from whiplash is the fact that chiropractors will focus on rehabilitating the injured tissue to its proper function. One study even proved that 93 percent of patients’ whiplash symptoms improved with chiropractic treatment.  

A chiropractor will use a technique called spinal manipulation which involves gentle pressure on the joint to move it back to its proper position.  In addition, gentle stretches are applied to the muscle area that suffered excessive tension. The tighter the muscle, the heavier the pressure needed. 

There are types of exercises that chiropractors may also perform for whiplash treatment. For example, stabilization and sensorimotor (emphasizes postural control) exercises help to train the body’s nervous system to better control movements. These practices improve the strength of the damaged neck muscle. 

It’s key to seek treatment as soon after the accident as possible to prevent any long-term side effects. While a chiropractor will focus on eliminating pain symptoms right away, tissue healing and restoration is important to prevent future injuries. 

Whiplash Treatment in Augusta

Dr. James LaVallee, D.C., has been treating patients with whiplash for over 13 years. He also gives lectures on a range of topics, such as managing stress at various businesses.  

 

Contact us now to schedule your appointment with Dr. LaVallee by calling our Augusta office at (207) 623-1111.


Posted In: Chiropractic Auto Injury Treatment Whiplash Treatment