Whiplash Glen Waverley

Whiplash Glen WaverleyOur team proudly offers chiropractic care to patients suffering from whiplash in the local Glen Waverley, Wheelers Hill, Vermont South, Mulgrave, Mount Waverley, Notting Hill and Springvale areas.

What is whiplash

A whiplash neck sprain occurs when your head is suddenly jolted backwards and forwards in a whip-like movement usually caused in motor vehicle accidents known as a “rear-ender”.  These movements generate considerable force, typically causing the neck to move far beyond the normal range of movement and causes damage to the delicate supporting structures of the neck.  Whiplash is effectively a sprain of the joints in the neck.

Whiplash can also result from forceful sporting injuries that cause similar stress to the neck joints, ligaments, muscles and discs.

Who gets whiplash?

Whiplash neck sprains are common. About two in three people involved in car accidents develop neck pain (with or without other injuries).  Many people are surprised with the onset of neck pain following even minor car accidents some hours following the accident. It is important to note that even minor car bumps can cause enough whipping of the neck to cause symptoms. Less commonly, whiplash can result from everyday mishaps such as jolting your neck when you trip or fall.

Symptoms

Whilst the symptoms of whiplash will vary, the following represent the most frequently noticed effects of whiplash.

  • Pain in the neck
  • Head feels too heavy for the neck
  • Reduced neck movement
  • Neck stiffness
  • Pain into the shoulders and arms
  • Tingling in the arms and fingers
  • Dizziness, headache, blurred vision and pain on swallowing
  • Irritability and difficult to concentrate

Treatment

All chiropractic care initially consists of a thorough history, orthopaedic, neurological and spinal examination to determine the exact location of your neck pain.  Diagnostic imaging such as x-ray, CT or MRI scans may also be required to fully assess any damage.

Treatment consists of reducing pain and inflammation and stabilizing your neck to prevent further damage.  Ice is a very helpful natural anti-inflammatory and it is also very soothing when your neck is painful.

If you are able to support your head and neck, it is especially important to keep your neck mobile rather than immobilizing it in a soft cervical collar.   Studies have shown that you are more likely to make a quicker recovery if you do regular neck exercises, and keep your neck active rather than resting it for long periods in a collar.

As your pain decreases, and your stability improves, your chiropractor will gently adjust your spine to help improve your neck function and reduce nerve pressure.

Some other helpful advice is to avoid poor neck posture during your daily routine and to use a supportive pillow when sleeping.

Whiplash responds very well to chiropractic care, with most people experiencing significant improvement.

Please call us for you comprehensive whiplash assessment.  We look forward to hearing from you!