According to the Philippine General Department of Orthopedics, whiplash injuries are some of the most common neck injuries that takes place when the head is forcefully or suddenly jerked forward or backward. These actions cause the neck to move way beyond its normal range of motion.
In many cases, it is caused by car accidents, particularly rear-end collisions. Whiplash injuries can lead to a range of symptoms which include neck pain, stiffness, dizziness, headaches, numbness, or tingling in the neck area.
Treatments for the said ailment include traditional pain management and immobilization. However, chiropractic in Manila has lately been included as a complementary treatment. This is due to the fact that it offers a more comprehensive approach when it comes to addressing the primary cause of symptoms. Consequently, this promotes long-term recovery.
Understanding whiplash injuries
Whiplash injuries can cause microscopic tears in the soft tissues, which may lead to pain, inflammation, and muscle spasms. To fully understand them, let us take a closer look at the anatomy involved. The spine is made up of vertebrae that are stacked on top of each other. They come with discs (rubbery cushions) that act as some sort of shock absorbers.
The whole series of events that contribute to the said injury can take place in less than a second and can cause subluxation. In the case of a whiplash injury, it can cause the neck vertebrae to be misaligned. Doctors of chiropractic use spinal adjustments, also known as spinal manipulations, to correct the said condition.
Extensive and detailed data on whiplash injuries in the Philippines is limited, based on available data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). Studies on road traffic accidents suggest that whiplash injuries are likely to be caused by vehicular accidents. With motorcycles being some of the primary culprits and a significant portion of them take place in Metro Manila.
Chiropractic in Manila for whiplash treatment
Many chiropractic in Manila personnel focus on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of spine disorders. When the said disorders are addressed, improvements in overall health and well-being also take place. Doctors of chiropractic take a holistic approach when treating whiplash injury to reduce pain, improve range of motion, and promote healing, among others. Below are some of the methods that are used to deliver the said benefits.
Spinal Adjustments
It can be said that spinal manipulation is a fundamental aspect of chiropractic for whiplash. Here, with their hands, chiropractic practitioners apply controlled or sudden force on the injured area. If properly performed, it may cause an audible “pop,” which, according to the Cleveland Clinic, are gases that include oxygen, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen being released from your joints. It should be noted that this gas may be more apparent during a chiropractic in Manila treatment.
Furthermore, doctors of chiropractic may also utilize gentle as well as specific adjustments to the spine in an effort to restore proper alignment and diminish pressure on the nerves. With regard to whiplash, adjustments to the cervical spine can alleviate pain and improve mobility. This is by reducing muscle spasms and promoting proper joint function.
By restoring normal spinal alignment, chiropractic adjustments can also help prevent long-term complications associated with whiplash, such as chronic pain or degenerative joint disease.
Soft Tissue Therapy
On top of spinal adjustments, a doctor of chiropractic may perform different soft tissue therapies in an effort to address ligament as well as muscle damage that are caused by whiplash.
Tried and tested techniques like massage, stretching, and trigger point therapy can help cut down the prevalence of muscle tension, improve blood circulation, and, therefore, accelerate the healing process. By addressing the soft tissue component of whiplash, chiro care can help alleviate pain and improve overall function.
Exercise and Rehabilitation
As initial pain as well as inflammation subside, doctors of chiropractic are going to prescribe specific as well as rehabilitation techniques. This is to effectively and efficiently restore strength, stability, and flexibility, in the neck area. The said exercises may include isometric strengthening, mild range-of-motion exercises, postural retraining, and so forth. By actively engaging the patient in their recovery phase, chiropractic can help promote long-term healing. On top of this, it cuts down the risk of redeveloping the said condition.
What is the importance of early detection?
A key factor of successful whiplash treatment is early detection and intervention. For this reason, whiplash injury patients should seriously consider visiting a chiropractic in Manila Philippines, at the early stages of the injury. By doing so, chiropractic can reduce inflammation, boost healing, and restore normal function. On top of this, early detection can identify potential underlying issues that may pave the way to more severity or duration of whiplash symptoms.
Combining chiropractic with other treatments
While the effectiveness of chiropractic when it comes to treating whiplash cannot be denied, it can be said that it is more successful when combined with other therapies. A doctor of chiropractic may work hand in hand with physical therapists, massage therapists, and other healthcare practitioners to provide a comprehensive treatment plan that is specifically tailored to a patient’s needs. This multidisciplinary approach can help address all aspects of the injury, from pain management to rehabilitation. If properly performed, chiropractic can lead to better outcomes and faster recovery times.
Chiropractic care: not a one-size fits all approach
Chiropractic offers a drug-free as well as a non-surgical approach to treating whiplash injuries. However, it should be noted that cases of the said injuries vary. That being said, treatment needs to be specifically tailored to the specific condition of patients.
While most people find that a few sessions with a chiropractor can alleviate pain and significantly boost neck function, it should be noted that the efficacy of treatment varies. Most of the time, it is based on one’s level of physical fitness, lifestyle, and so forth.
The number and frequency of treatments you need will depend on the specifics of a patient’s injury, so one’s treatment plan will be designed for one’s unique situation.
Summing up
In summary, whiplash injuries respond very well to chiropractic care. By using spinal manipulation and other manual therapies, chiropractors can relieve neck pain, restore normal range of motion, and help your body heal faster after an injury. If you think you have a whiplash injury, don’t delay. See a chiropractor and get started on the road to recovery.
If you are looking for a reputable entity that can help with your whiplash injuries, Posture Perfect Chiropractic is the place to be. Our doctors of chiropractic can develop a personalized plan that can help you get back to tip-top shape and more.
Book an appointment with us and let us help you reclaim your comfort and mobility.