Chiropractic Treatments for Whiplash

Because each individual case of whiplash is different, it is not possible to generalize about chiropractic treatment. The appropriate chiropractic treatment strategy is unique to each whiplash injury and is directed at the primary dysfunctions detected during the examination.

However, chiropractors commonly employ the following chiropractic treatments for whiplash:

• Chiropractic spinal manipulation to treat whiplash: the primary treatment for joint dysfunction. The chiropractor gently moves the involved joint into the direction in which it is restricted and may involve the application of a short thrust in that direction. In many cases, instead of a thrust, a slow mobilizing movement is used by the chiropractor.

• Muscle relaxation or stimulation to treat whiplash: the primary chiropractic treatments for muscle dysfunction related to a whiplash injury.They consist of gentle stretches to the muscle that has excessive tension or repeated contractions of the muscle that is inhibited. If the muscle is very tight, a more vigorous stretch may be applied by the chiropractor. Gentle finger pressure techniques may be applied to trigger points to relieve the pain associated with the tight muscles.

• McKenzie exercises to treat whiplash: exercises specifically designed to reduce disc derangement related to a whiplash injury. These exercises consist of simple movements done initially in the office which make for an easy transition to self-care at home. These exercises help the patient to take an active role in his or her own recovery.
• Stabilization or sensorimotor exercise to treat whiplash: exercise approaches designed to correct faulty movement patterns in routine activities and everyday life. They train the nervous system to better coordinate and control movement patterns, and improve the ability of the neck muscles to maintain stability of the neck. These exercises are designed to help in a major trauma, such as a fall or whiplash during a motor vehicle accident, or in "micro trauma" from simple things such as being jostled in a crowd, playing sports or performing occupational or home jobs that require physical effort.
• Ergonomic and lifestyle advice for a whiplash injury: suggested improvements for performing everyday activities with minimal strain to the body. The advice addresses factors in an individual’s work, home or recreational activities that perpetuate the dysfunctions that result from the accident. The chiropractor may teach the patient better "use of self" and, if necessary, stress reduction methods to help chiropractic problems.

The whiplash treatment plan developed by the chiropractor for each specific problem may include one or more of these approaches and may involve others as well. The chiropractor might give a referral to another health professional, such as a medical specialist, if it is deemed appropriate.

• Article written By:
• Donald Murphy, DC

August 22, 2000

Print