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Whiplash: Chiropractic is the First-line Treatment

Apr 24, 2023
Auto accident patient of Iowa Chiropractic Clinic & Sports Injuries located in Ankeny, Grimes, Altoona, Iowa with neck and ba
Chiropractic care is recommended as a first-line treatment for whiplash because it is non-invasive and is more effective in reducing pain and improving function in many patients.

Chiropractic care is often recommended as a first-line treatment for whiplash because it is non-invasive and is more effective in reducing pain and improving function in many patients. In contrast to more invasive treatments such as surgery or injections, chiropractic care carries a lower risk of complications and side effects.  Furthermore, studies have shown that chiropractic care can be just as effective, if not more effective, than other treatments for whiplash, such as medication or physical therapy. For example, a study published in the Journal of Orthopaedic Medicine found that chiropractic care was more effective than physical therapy in reducing pain and improving the range of motion in patients with whiplash-associated disorders.

Whiplash injury is a relatively common injury that can occur in various situations, most commonly in car accidents and other activities such as contact sports or falls. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, whiplash injuries occur in about 20% of all motor vehicle accidents in the United States, translating to an estimated 1 million cases per year. 

Whiplash is a common injury resulting from a sudden, forceful neck movement, typically from a rear-end car accident. When the head and neck are rapidly thrown back and forth, the soft tissues of the neck, including muscles, ligaments, and nerves, can be damaged, leading to symptoms such as neck pain, upper back pain, referred pain, radicular pain, nerve damage, intravertebral and intervertebral disc herniations, damage vertebral cartilaginous endplates, headaches, and stiffness.

Whiplash trauma can also affect the function of the nerves and blood vessels that pass through the neck, which can, in turn, cause visual problems and balance issues.  In that case, it can result in dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, difficulty focusing, visual impairments, vertigo, headaches, referred pain, radicular symptoms, neck pain, nausea, numbness, and fainting.

The vestibular nucleus in the midbrain connects the nerves that control eye movement, balance, and neck movements. The vestibular nucleus plays a critical role in maintaining balance and coordinating movements. Disruptions caused by misalignments or tissue damage caused by whiplash can lead to symptoms such as vertigo, dizziness, and difficulties with coordination, balance, and visual processing.  Whiplash can result in various visual symptoms, such as double vision, dizziness, or difficulty focusing. Whiplash can also affect the muscles and ligaments of the neck that play a critical role in maintaining balance and coordination of the body, which can result in balance issues and difficulty with walking or standing upright.

Overall, whiplash trauma can significantly impact the neck and surrounding structures, including the nerves, blood vessels, muscles, and ligaments. Addressing whiplash-related issues through appropriate treatment, such as chiropractic care, is important in restoring proper neck function, reducing pain and neck stiffness, improving visual problems and balance issues, and alleviating associated symptoms.

Our expert chiropractic specialists at Iowa Chiropractic Clinic & Sports Injuries, located in Ankeny, Iowa and Grimes, Iowa and Altoona, Iowa are available for the best chiropractic evaluations, examinations, and chiropractic treatments.