Whiplash Treatment
Whiplash, also called neck strain, is a serious neck injury that can make it difficult for you to perform daily activities. Getting treatment right away at Makati Chiropractic Center can help prevent chronic neck pain and headache resulting from the injury. Our chiropractor in Pacifica, CA, will personalize a treatment plan to address the underlying injury, alleviate pain, and improve neck mobility.
How Does Whiplash Happen?
Whiplash happens more frequently from auto accidents, particularly rear-end collisions. The impact causes the head to jerk back and forth at rapid speed. The sudden force stretches and tears the muscles and tendons in the neck. Cervical misalignment and herniated discs may also result from trauma to the head and neck. The injury is also seen in athletes who play contact sports and individuals who were dealt a blow to the head.
Common Signs and Symptoms
The injury cannot be seen with the naked eye and symptoms may take days or weeks to show up. Mild to excruciating neck pain and swelling are the first set of symptoms. Other symptoms include:
- Stiffness or tightness in the neck
- Muscle spasms
- Reduced range of neck motion
- Pain when moving your head in one or more directions
- Pain radiates to the shoulder or arm
- Numbness or tingling indicating nerve compression
- Headache that starts at the base of the skull and radiates to the face
Whiplash Treatment from Our Pacifica, CA, Chiropractor
Applying an ice pack, moist heat, taking medications, and wearing a neck brace are traditional treatments for neck strain. However, the underlying damage to the soft tissue will continue to trigger pain and interfere with range of motion.
Chiropractic care is designed to address the underlying injury and provide effective relief. Dr. Ronald will do an extensive diagnosis by performing a physical exam, spinal X-ray, and any other necessary tests to assess the extent of your injury. We will use the results to determine if and how to treat you.
Dr. Ronald may prescribe cervical spinal manipulation therapy to realign the joints and bones in the neck. This alleviates joint restrictions, reduces neck pain and headache, and enables you to move your neck like normal. Adjustments also lift pressure off the nerve and decrease inflammation by increasing blood flow to the spine. The full length of the spine may be adjusted to optimize relief in some cases.
We may add ultrasound therapy, electrical muscle stimulation, and corrective exercises to your treatment plan to provide lasting relief.
Call Makati Chiropractic Center Today
Untreated neck strain can lead to complications that may require a surgical solution. At Makati Chiropractic Center, our goal is to help you recover quickly and avoid invasive treatments. Call us at 650-738-8080 to schedule an appointment today.