What is whiplash?
Whiplash is a painful type of neck strain caused by a jarring movement of the head. When a sudden impact forces the head to snap forward or backward, it can cause damage to the supporting muscles, tendons, and ligaments of the neck.
The pain associated with whiplash can vary in intensity and start immediately, or take several hours or days to begin.
Whiplash is a common neck injury and can have several causes, including car accidents, contact sports, physical abuse, and other activities that include sudden impact.
What are the symptoms of whiplash?
Depending on the extent of the injury, you can experience various symptoms that vary in intensity. Some symptoms include:
- Arm pain and weakness
- Back and neck pain
- Decreased range of motion
- Headaches radiating towards the forehead from the base of the skull
- Jaw pain or tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Pain when moving the head
- Tightness in the neck and hard or knotted muscles
Dr. Abercrombie specializes in caring for whiplash injuries caused by car accidents, but also offers care for multiple types of neck strains.
How is whiplash treated?
Following a consultation and physical examination to determine the extent of your injury, Dr. Abercrombie develops a personalized treatment approach based on your unique needs. He can use any of these therapies:
Muscle relaxation and stimulation
This gentle technique uses relaxation or stimulation to stretch and contract your affected muscles.
Traction therapy
Traction therapy uses force or weights to increase the space between cervical vertebrae and stretch the muscles and ligaments in the neck.
Spinal adjustments
Using manual techniques or instruments, Dr. Abercrombie gently moves the joint where it’s restricted.
Cervical curve correction
Dr. Abercrombie uses a combination of spinal manipulation and rehabilitative exercises to correct the curvature of your neck.
Custom exercises
Depending on your injury, Dr. Abercrombie may recommend specially-designed exercises that you can perform at home so that you can take a more active role in your recovery.
Lifestyle changes
To reduce stress and strain on your body that can exacerbate your whiplash symptoms, Dr. Abercrombie might recommend lifestyle and ergonomic changes tailored to you.
Active Release Techniques or ART®
This patented form of massage therapy restores function and mobility to soft tissue and overused muscles.
Dr. Abercrombie is also experienced in the medical-legal aspect of whiplash injuries. If you’ve been in a car accident, or are suffering from the whiplash symptoms, call Fremont Chiropractic or schedule a consultation online. For your convenience, he offers same-day treatment for whiplash injuries.
