The term “whiplash” is used to describe a type of neck strain or sprain that stems from a highly abrupt and immediate transfer or energy that causes the components of the neck to straighten and bend in excess of that which is considered to be a “normal” range of motion.
While recovery is possible, it often takes several months for a complete recovery. Many whiplash sufferers experience such severe symptoms that the issue results in problems in day-to-day living.
The good news is, there are treatment methods available that help in the promotion of healing after whiplash. One of the most productive is massage therapy. In this guide, you will learn more about neck strain and how massage therapy helps in the recovery process.
What Is It?
As we have already expounded upon, whiplash is a type of neck strain. It indicates that damage has occurred. This damage may be in the nerves, the muscles, the vertebrae, the ligaments, and other locations within the neck and surrounding area.
When the head moves abruptly forward and then just as hastily back, whiplash happens. Individuals may suffer whiplash after falling, in a car accident, or other types of blows or jerks to the head/neck area.
The Symptoms
Individuals that experience whiplash may experience a wide range of symptoms. These include – but, are not at all limited to – the following:
- Ringing in the Ears
- Pain in Neck
- Pain in Back
- Stiff Neck
- Stiff Back
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Mood Fluctuations
- Problems Sleeping
- Cognitive Issues
Emergency Symptoms
The previously mentioned symptoms are commonly experienced by those with whiplash. The following symptoms outline those that are considered to be very serious and should be tended to by a medical doctor:
- Bladder Problems
- Bowel Problems
- Debilitating Pain in Neck or Back
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Weakness
Treatment
Currently, there is no specific medical treatment associated with whiplash. Most doctors recommend the use of over-the-counter pain and inflammation medications and massage therapy.
Massage therapists use a wide assortment of techniques to help alleviate pain, relieve swelling, and to relax the muscles that have been negatively impacted by the whiplash.
In addition to this, many therapists may use ice, heat, lotions, and special types of injectable substances that are designed to reduce swelling and pain.
Many massage therapists are trained in chiropractic care. As a result of this, they will integrate various chiropractic techniques into the massage therapy sessions in order to help curb the discomfort of the whiplash and to promote healing.
Contact Us Today
If you are suffering from whiplash, we here at Advanced Chiropractic and Wellness Center can help you! Not only do we offer healing through massage therapy and chiropractic care, we also offer general wellness therapy that will provide you with sound nutritional advice and recommendations that will aid in your healing.
We recommend that you set up an appointment as quickly as possible so that you are able to make it through the recovery process sooner. For more information, contact us by calling: 706-738-7731