Learn How Whiplash Sufferers Get Relief With Raleigh Chiropractic Office

By Kenya Saab


Whiplash injuries involve trauma to the muscles, tendons and ligaments of the neck and spine. This is caused by sudden and violent movements to the head that cause the neck/spine to move beyond their normal sphere of movement. You can read on to explore the four main techniques used to attend to this type of injury, and how a Raleigh chiropractor can aid patients on their road to recovery.

Spinal adjustment is the mainstay of chiropractic care, and is the main technique used with whiplash patients. It involves the gentle movement of joints in order to restore their normal range of function. Sometimes, the chiropractor may use thrusting movements to achieve the same effect.

In order to alleviate muscle injury, chiropractors typically use relaxation and stimulation techniques. Tense muscles are gently stretched, and inhibited muscles are carefully contracted. Sometimes, more robust stretching may be applied to muscles that are particularly tight.

Exercises are another way in which this type of injury can be helped. Disc alignment issues in the spine (which sometimes affect whiplash victims) can be corrected using McKenzie exercises. Other exercises are used to help patients improve their coordination and patterns of movement. They help patients to train their neck muscles and achieve a better degree of stability.

The patient's overall lifestyle is another key area that chiropractors look at. The doctor will assess the patient's home, leisure and work activities to see if there are any factors that may be aggravating the injury. Suggestions will be given for performing these everyday activities in an efficient manner in order to minimize strain on the body, and thus avoid further problems.

When the patient has been fully assessed, the chiropractic professional will provide a customized care plan. He or she may also direct the patient to an outside health care professional if appropriate. The aim will always be to guide the patient towards a swift recovery that is as easy and pain-free as possible.




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