In the United States, more than 2 million people suffer from whiplash injuries every year. Whiplash is most often associated with car accidents. However, it can occur with any type of impact or blow that causes your head to jerk forward or backward.
The jerking motion strains the neck. The sudden force can injure bones, discs between the bones, ligaments, muscles, nerves, and other tissues in the neck and spine.
When treated quickly, most people are able to quickly recover from whiplash. However, left untreated, whiplash can cause pain and suffering for months or years. By acting quickly when dealing with a whiplash injury, the body can heal faster. It also reduces the overall pain and swelling. If you believe you’re suffering from whiplash, reach out to us today! 615-203-3505
Research continues to support the idea that the sooner one receives chiropractic care after an accident, the faster they can recover. Ideally, patients will see us within 24 hours of the accident for the fastest healing time, however, we are here to help at any point in time.
Causes of Whiplash
Whiplash is caused when the head jerks beyond its usual range of motion. This jerking movement pulls muscles and ligaments and often causes their fibers to tear.
Whenever a fiber is torn in a muscle or tendon, it’s called a strain. If this happens in a ligament, it’s called a sprain. Whiplash usually packs a double punch and involves both strains and sprains in the neck and spine. In more severe cases, it may also include fractures or dislocations.
If you’ve been involved in an accident and are experiencing pain, contact us today. Healing Hands Chiropractic can help. Reach us at 615-203-3505.
Symptoms of Whiplash
Symptoms of whiplash usually show up within 24 hours of the injury or accident. Sometimes symptoms can even show up sooner than that — within 6 to 12 hours. Left untreated, symptoms of whiplash will continue to worsen. Take proactive action and contact Healing Hands Chiropractic today to help treat your whiplash symptoms.
Common symptoms of whiplash include, but are not limited to:
- Neck pain
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Stiffness
- Limited range of motion
- Pain with neck or back movement
- Tenderness in the upper back, neck, and shoulders
- Fatigue
- Tingling in the arms
- Numbness in the arms
Other, less common symptoms of whiplash include:
- Lower back pain
- Muscle spasms
- Jaw pain
- Blurred vision
- Ringing in the ears
- Trouble sleeping
- Memory issues
- Irritability
- Poor focus
Whiplash symptoms are often made worse by reading, driving, sitting at a computer, using a cell phone, watching TV, or any activity that requires a sustained posture. f you are currently experiencing any of these symptoms following an accident, please contact our offices today at 615-203-3505.
Natural Treatment Options for Whiplash
Whiplash can be incredibly painful. Luckily, natural treatment options exist. Here are 3 natural treatment options for whiplash injuries.
1. Chiropractic. Dr. Dee at Healing Hands Chiropractic, located in Murfreesboro, TN is an expert in treating whiplash injuries. She can accurately identify the misalignments in the spine that are causing such pain. Through spinal adjustments, she will help restore normal joint movement and function.
This treats whiplash and its symptoms at its source. Over the counter and prescription medications do not. Spinal adjustments will help reduce your levels of pain and inflammation, and will have you feeling better, faster.
2. Massage. In combination with chiropractic, massage therapy can be incredibly beneficial in treating whiplash injuries. Three types of massage are often used in treating whiplash injuries.
Myofascial release is one type of massage that a massage therapist may use to treat whiplash. This technique helps loosen restricted neck muscles and fascia. It can also help increase range of motion that often decreases with whiplash.
Static compression is another type of massage therapy that is often used to treat whiplash injuries. Applying static compression to the impacted trigger points helps increase the oxygen flow to the muscles that have been impacted. This increased blood flow helps the muscles to heal.
Deep tissue massage is the third type of massage commonly used to treat whiplash injuries. Deep tissue massage techniques help release deep fascia, adhesions, and scar tissue that can occur with whiplash. By loosening up this tissue around the nerves in the neck and back, the body is able to heal faster.
With any type of massage, it’s incredibly important to tell the massage therapist your pain level so they can adjust accordingly!
3. Essential oils. Essential oils are a great, natural, and effective way to help alleviate pain associated with whiplash. Try applying a few drops of the recommended oils to the affected area, and gently massage these into your skin. Make sure you are using 100 percent pure essential oils. The following oils can be beneficial in treating whiplash pain:
Wintergreen oil: Wintergreen oil has antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties. It will create a warm sensation in the tender area, and help increase circulation and promote healing.
Marjoram oil: Marjoram oil can work to decrease muscle spasms by relaxing the muscles. It is also known to promote blood circulation, helping the muscles get the nutrients they need to heal.
Lavender oil: Lavender is known for its ability to help people relax. Lavender oil helps tense muscles relax, and therefore improves blood flow. This helps lower stress levels and aids in physical and mental recovery from whiplash.
Healing Hands Chiropractic Can Help
If you believe you are experiencing whiplash, please contact Healing Hands Chiropractic today! Dr. Dee can properly diagnose the source of your whiplash pain. She can then work with you to establish the most effective course of treatment for your whiplash injuries. Remember, the sooner you can be seen after an accident, the better!
Contact Dr. Dee and Healing Hands Chiropractic today for your consultation. There’s no need to suffer from your whiplash pain any longer. Reach us now at 615-203-3505. We look forward to working with you!
