Neck Sprain/Strain After A Car Accident – Can Chiropractic Help?
A neck sprain/strain, also commonly referred to as a cervical sprain/strain is a very common neuro-musculoskeletal problem which presents to medical and chiropractic physicians. One of the most common causes of a neck sprain/strain is termed whiplash. The most frequent cause of whiplash is motor vehicle collisions. The force generated by a rear end collision or side collision stretches and/or tears structures beyond their normal capacity. The most common structures injured are intervertebral discs, facet capsules, ligaments, and muscles. Injuries to these structures can cause many variable symptoms:
- Neck Stiffness
- Neck Tenderness and Soreness
- Decreased Range of Motion
- Neck Pain
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- TMJ/Jaw Pain
Neck Sprain/Strain Treatment After A Car Accident
The most important treatment for a neck sprain/strain is something that may surprise you. The injured tissues actually heal best when motion and movement is applied. The most effective treatment for applying movement and motion to the injured structures is manual therapy, which is a chiropractic adjustment. The improved motion provided by adjustments helps to reduce pain, improve swelling, improve range of motion, and reduce muscle spasm. An important point to note is the motion provided by adjustments is motion that cannot be achieved by stretching and other exercises. The best treatment is when both stretching/exercises and adjustments are performed.
Another important key for the best long term outcome from whiplash is when the adjustments and treatment is started very early after the injury occurs. If you have symptoms, don’t wait a week to see if the symptoms resolve on their own, try to be evaluated and treated right away as this is crucial for reducing the chances of this type of issue becoming chronic.
The chiropractic treatments are very important for experiencing neck sprain/strain relief. Please contact my office today to feel better faster. My office has been helping neck sprain/strain patients in Saint Paul, MN, Roseville, MN, Arden Hills, MN, Shoreview, MN, and Falcon Heights, MN for many years.