Whiplash is an injury that is common to automobile accidents, but there are many other ways in which this painful blow to the cervical spine can occur. When it does, studies confirm that Chiropractic can provide significant help and long-term healing results.
A whiplash injury occurs when there is an abrupt backward or forward jerking motion of the head which causes an injury to the neck and the back. These cervical spinal injuries most frequently result when a person who is involved in an automobile accident is struck in such a way as to cause the jerking motion of the head and neck to occur. However, this action can also occur when a person is participating in a sporting event. It’s been known to occur when riding on amusement park rides and sometimes as the result of a fall.
“Nearly 1 out of 15 adult Americans suffers from the annoying and sometimes debilitating long-term effects of whiplash injury, usually in the form of neck stiffness and pain,” said Arthur C. Croft, DC, and director of the Spine Research Institute in San Diego, Calif. Fortunately, the results of several studies regarding relief for whiplash show that Chiropractic offers a very high level of help. Here are the conclusions of 4 separate studies sited by Dr. Croft:
- In a study published in Injury, 93 percent of 28 patients showed significant improvements following Chiropractic care. The help protocol utilized included spinal manipulation, stretching and ice therapy.
- Study results published in the Journal of Orthopedic Medicine showed similar findings. “Whiplash injuries are common. Chiropractic is the only proven effective treatment in chronic cases,” researchers said in their study conclusions.
- Finally, two separate studies published in the Journal of Manipulative Physiology and Therapy confirm Chiropractic benefits. “For chronic spinal pain in general, when compared to traditional medical approaches, Chiropractic has generally been shown to be more effective.”
Practicing safe driving and using properly adjusted headrest restraints and seatbelts can go a long way to preventing whiplash accidents. Wearing the proper head gear in sporting activities, particularly for those playing a violent sport like football, can also help to prevent injury.
Ask your chiropractor what recommendations he or she can provide to keep your cervical spine in top condition and help you to avoid injury to the neck and back. Of course, should a whiplash injury occur, Chiropractic is the well established source of intervention and long-term relief.
For Your Health,
Dr. Wendy Lanser, DC