Back-To-School Car Accident? 3 Ways Chiropractic Care Treats Whiplash Injuries

Navigating the congested traffic around school drop-off and pick-up times increases your risk of a minor car accident—which could have serious consequences. Did you know that most whiplash injuries occur at low speeds (under 12 miles per hour)?

The sudden jerk of your neck snapping forward and back again strains the soft tissue (muscles, ligaments, and tendons) around your neck and shoulders—and may affect the natural alignment of your vertebrae. You may have a whiplash injury if you experience any of the following symptoms following a car accident or other trauma:

Neck pain
Neck and shoulder stiffness
Back pain
Dizziness
Numbness or tingling sensations in your arms

Up to 50% of people suffer from ongoing symptoms long after an accident—making early intervention undeniably important. And this is where chiropractic care can play a key role in your recovery.

Chiropractic care is a holistic and gentle treatment option for a whiplash injury because it targets the root cause of the pain and stiffness. So, here are three ways it promotes healing and provides relief.

Restores Spinal Alignment

The intense forces on your body during an accident can cause havoc with your spine—especially your neck. Even the smallest misalignment places pressure on your nerves, causing inflammation and pain.

Your chiropractor will carefully examine your spine and check for any misalignments. Then, using spinal manipulation, they will work to restore the alignment of your vertebrae. As your vertebrae return to their ideal positions, healing begins. This specialized treatment relieves any pressure on your spinal cord and nerves—which helps reduce pain, tingling sensations, and dizziness.

Supports Healing through Movement

Whiplash injuries involve the soft tissue (muscles and ligaments) around your neck and shoulders. Strained or torn from overstretching, this soft tissue is often inflamed—which leads to stiffness, pain, and limited mobility. The good news is that chiropractors understand how to treat tension and stiffness—naturally.

Unlike the treatment of soft collars that prevent movement—that were popular years ago—movement is encouraged. Your chiropractor will teach you gentle exercises and stretches to help restore the full range of motion of your neck. This also encourages circulation—which reduces inflammation, promotes healing, and relieves pain. Your treatment plan may also include ultrasound therapy to support healing.

Promotes a Healthy Posture

A sore and stiff neck can affect your whole spine—especially if it throws off your posture. The impact and forces of an auto accident itself may also affect other parts of your back. That’s why your chiropractor will examine the full length of your spine.

As your local Tampa chiropractor, we use manual therapy to relieve tension in tight muscles around your shoulders or upper back and help you stand tall again. We’ll assess your posture and teach you exercises to strengthen any weak areas—like your neck or core—so that your spine gets all the support it needs—to heal now and help prevent future injuries!

Pave Your Way Toward a Full Recovery; Start Today!

Whiplash is a serious and frustrating injury—but it doesn’t have to become a permanent problem. Offering a personalized treatment plan and holistic care, our team at Tampa Spine and Wellness is ready to help. Contact us today to book your appointment. Heading back to school doesn’t have to be a pain in the neck!