One of the most common auto accident-related injuries is whiplash. This injury affects the neck and can lead to damaged muscles and ligaments in the neck. The main symptoms of whiplash injury include neck pain, headaches, pain in the back, shoulders, and arms, and extreme fatigue. Chiropractic care has proven effective in relieving neck pain and restoring neck mobility. Here are some primary chiropractic treatments for car accident injuries.

Cold Therapy

This treatment is also called cryotherapy. Cold therapy reduces the flow of blood to an injury, which minimizes swelling and inflammation that cause pain. This treatment also reduces nerve activity, which also relieves pain.

Some types of cold therapy include cryokinetics, cryostretching, and whole-body cold therapy. There are several ways chiropractors use cold therapy. These include the use of ice massage, coolant sprays, ice baths, and ice packs. 

Spinal Manipulation

Spinal manipulation is one of the most common chiropractic methods of addressing pain. This treatment involves positioning the neck joints that have fallen out of alignment. The chiropractor achieves this by moving the affected joint towards the direction in which it is constrained. 

Sometimes the chiropractor applies a gentle thrust in one direction, while in other cases, they apply a slow mobilizing movement. The chiropractor will use the flexion-distraction technique if the injury has aggravated a bulging or herniated disc. This technique helps relieve the herniated discs.

McKenzie and Stabilization Exercises

Another approach chiropractors use for whiplash injuries is McKenzie exercises. These exercises help minimize disc derangement associated with whiplash injury. McKenzie exercises are simple movements that you can do in the practitioner's office or at home. This is a great way to ensure you participate in your own recovery.

Stabilization approaches are meant to address faulty movement patterns. The aim of this treatment is to train your nervous system to control and coordinate movement patterns. These exercises also improve the stability of your neck. Chiropractors use stability exercises for major trauma like whiplash during a car accident or micro trauma from playing sports or engaging in home chores that require physical effort.

In Closing

In many car accident cases, the injured parties don't know they have whiplash injuries until later. If you are involved in a car accident, don't wait until your whiplash injury manifests. Make sure you call a chiropractor immediately to avoid complications. One of the benefits of chiropractic care is that it can be used alongside medical treatment. Furthermore, it is non-invasive and leads to a quick recovery.

For more information, contact a company like O'Fallon Pain Relief Associates.

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