Chiropractic and whiplash

The term "whiplash" is usually associated with rear-end collisions. The term refers to the accident mechanism, in which, like the sudden sharp blow of a whip, the head is first thrown back and then forward. This can damage the neck.

Complaint from a whiplash

• Neck, shoulder and arm pain
• Tingling or numbness in the arms or hands
• Pain between the shoulder blades
• Headaches/migraines

The neck out of balance
The head balances on the neck, held together by muscles, ligaments and joints. There are about 35 joints in the area around the neck. This area is therefore one of the most complicated mechanisms of movement in the body. The cervical vertebrae (see drawing) envelop and protect the spinal cord. The nerves of the spinal cord branch between the vertebrae. A whiplash can pinch a nerve here and cause pain. The ligaments that hold the cervical vertebrae together are over stretched with a whiplash, just like an elastic band is stretched. As a result, these bands can’t support the vertebrae as well. The neck muscles are also affected. It is possible that they are stretched and even show small tears, which greatly reduces muscle function and strength. The neck, now out of balance, has difficulties supporting the head, limiting normal movement

Research has shown that a high percentage of victims, who initially end up in the ER and who are sent home with a negative result, do develop complaints later. Often these also increase. It is normal that most complaints only start after 12 hours or after a few days. Sometimes they can occur even months or years after the accident. It is therefore very important that the whiplash victim is examined by a chiropractor as soon as possible after the accident, possibly followed by treatment.

Cause of whiplash
Although whiplash is usually associated with a car accident, it can also be caused by a sports injury, a fall from the stairs or simply by a hard push from behind.

Symptoms

Symptoms that whiplash patients may experience include headache, dizziness, nausea, memory loss, difficulty concentrating and loss of vision. Furthermore, a weak and dull feeling in the neck and tingling in the arms or fingers is not uncommon. It often happens that doctors initially discover nothing, while the patient himself notices that the complaints are getting worse. Often the patient is then told that a simple strain has occurred and this will improve with rest. A neck brace and analgesic medications are prescribed to prevent discomfort.

Chiropractic

Chiropractic is a medicine that has been around for more than 100 years. Treatment focuses on disorders and the functioning of the musculoskeletal system and the relationship with the nervous system. A chiropractor checks the spine for restrictions and dysfunctions. Through a thorough examination and targeted treatment, the chiropractor locates and corrects these dysfunctions. This restores the flow of nerves and allows the body to heal itself again.

The first visit

• Intake                        
  A patient questionnaire is filled in followed by a discussion with the chiropractor in order to establish a thorough case history.
• Examination              
  Chiropractic tests
  Neurological test
  Orthopaedic test
• X-ray, MRI, IDXA          
  Whichever is indicated necessary
• Diagnosis                      
  Given by the Chiropractor
• Treatment                      
  Nearly always already on the first visit

The chiropractic treatment

With his specialist knowledge and skills, the chiropractor examines the spine and nervous system to locate unnatural movements and restrictions. X-rays also provide a detailed picture of the vertebrae in the neck and back. They help to indicate the exact place where the vertebrae have an abnormal position and where there is damage and instability of the cervical vertebrae. Instability is a common abnormality in whiplash patients. Chiropractic treatments aim to improve incorrect posture, increase spinal mobility and restore the function of irritated nerves. This is done by putting pressure on the joint with the hands. This restores the freedom of movement of the joint, reduces pain and can rebalance the balance between the neck and head. Furthermore, attention is also paid to the neck muscles that have to restore the stability of the spine.

Exercises
The chiropractors at Chiropractisch Centrum voor Rug & Nek can advise neck exercises to optimize and support freedom of movement. Once the desired treatment outcome has been achieved, the chiropractor will recommend that you return regularly for maintenance treatments. By maintaining the spine properly, the patient maintains optimal freedom of movement.

Frequently asked questions

Why is a chiropractor also called a "cracker"?
During a chiropractic treatment, the chiropractor puts pressure on the joint. With this correction, the patient sometimes hears a “cracking sound”. This crack is the result of a bubble formation in the joint, which is released by the pressure placed on the joint and thus causes the sound. It has nothing to do with bones chafing over each other or ligaments breaking.

How do I prevent a whiplash?
Een whiplash is helaas niet altijd te voorkomen omdat de schuld niet altijd bij uzelf ligt. Als u ziet dat een auto met hoge snelheid op u afkomt, waarschuw deze dan door uw knipperlicht aan te zetten of duw herhaaldelijk op de rem.

Pain prevention 

• Never sleep on the stomach. The neck muscles and cervical vertebrae are then under great pressure.
• Do not sleep on a thick pillow. Also in this case tension is created on the neck muscles and cervical vertebrae. Rather use an orthopedic neck pillow.
• Pay attention to good posture. Do not stand and sag. For example, if the neck bends only slightly forward, it doubles all the pressure on it.
• Never watch television lying down. Reading in a lying position is also not recommended.
• Pause regularly and then change your posture.
• Do not carry a heavy shoulder bag. Distribute the weight over both arms.

Pain relief 

• Change your posture regularly.
• Try to avoid stress.
• Ask your chiropractor for neck exercises.

Finally
The healing of a whiplash injury takes time. But with timely diagnosis and treatment, the chiropractor can correct spine abnormalities, reduce symptoms, and prevent further derioration.

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