Chiropractor in Harrogate Talks about Whiplash

Posted: April 11th, 2020

Whiplash… what a pain in the neck

At Falcon Chiropractic we often find ourselves consulting with individuals recovering from whiplash and the associated injuries that come with it. We recognise that most people are familiar with the term whiplash, but do we really know what it means? The term whiplash is often overused or misused...

So What Actually Is Whiplash?

Whiplash is a neck injury that occurs from a rapid, forceful movement of your neck in a forward and backward motion. Whiplash is most commonly thought of as an injury related to road traffic collisions, particularly rear-end collisions, however this is not always the case… Whiplash injuries can also occur from different sports such as football, skiing, rugby and horse riding.

Which Structures Get Damaged During Whiplash?

Overstretching of ligaments and tendons, increased joint laxity or even a restricted range of motion, splinting of muscles, and damage to tiny nerve endings which act as the sensors to tell your body where it is in space. Damage to the discs and nerves may also occur if the injury is severe enough.

These structural stresses can cause symptoms such as but not limited to: neck pain, headaches, blurred vision, ringing in the ears, memory and concentration problems.

How can Chiropractic help?

The chiropractic adjustment helps improve the quality of motion within the joint, which is often compromised during this type of injury. When normal joint motion is restored, less stress and tension are exerted through the muscles, tendons and ligaments which allows them to relax, alleviating the pain.

A chiropractic adjustment also promotes optimal nerve function, optimising the communication pathways throughout the body.

The adjustment stimulates the sensory nerves deep within the joint, allowing the body to perform its best.

The chiropractic adjustment also promotes lymphatic flow, which transports toxins and waste to clean out the body. This is important for removing damaged cells and aiding the healing process.

Ice and gentle stretching will often be recommended by your chiropractor to help encourage correct movement and decrease swelling built up around the damaged area.

If you are currently recovering from whiplash or have any further questions please feel free to contact Falcon Chiropractic Harrogate today!