By Jamie Muck


If the victim of an automobile accident is not able to turn her head from side to side she may be suffering from a condition known as whiplash. The name is derived from the whipping movement of the head when the crash occurs. An injury like this can happen even if the cars are moving at a slow speed. If she lives close enough she will find the professional care needed at Pasco County Chiropractic.

When a car stops abruptly both driver and passenger are held in place by the seat belts. However, the head is jerked forward and back in rapid succession. This produces the same type of harm as shaken baby syndrome. The victims neck may stiffen up so much that movement is not possible. The spine is composed of small hollow bones called vertebrae. If they are jerked out of alignment the nerve roots located there may be compressed. The pain can be unbearable.

Meeting with a chiropractor for the first time will involve an examination. That is because a full assessment of your condition must be made before care can be administered. It involves a physical examination, range-of-motion testing and one or more x-rays. This enables the chiropractor to determine the optimal course of care.

A technique called spinal mobilization is a gentle method that does not try to move the head too far at one time. It is only moved within a limited range. When the neck is stiffened by whiplash regaining flexibility must be done gradually.

An extended period of bed rest is not always beneficial. Wearing a neck brace for more than a week or two is not advisable. For those individuals who are opposed to pain medication or surgery, chiropractic care is ideal. They prefer it over any other methods. Pain alleviation can be achieved in a more natural way.

Concomitant care may include massage, cold and hot applications and a series of stretching exercises. These are designed to strengthen the neck as flexibility is gradually returned. A series of office visits will be scheduled for the care to be provided. Pain alleviation ensues and normal movement is achieved over time.




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