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Whiplash Injuries (Neck sprain/strain injuries)

Whiplash doesn't need to be a pain in the neck

There were approximately 5,730 vehicular accident casualties in Cheshire last year, and nearly a third of a million nationwide.

The majority of casualties will suffer mild to severe whiplash injuries as a result of their accident. Local Chiropractor Doug Clark of Dynamic Chiropractic says, “ ‘Whiplash’, which is not a medical diagnosis but literally means a ‘neck sprain/strain injury’ can be caused in an instant by sudden impact forcing the head backwards or forwards outside of its normal range of motion.  Left untreated it may take months or even years to heal.”

“Whilst whiplash injuries need immediate treatment the symptoms can take several days to appear, and can also cause other muscle and joints to become involved, due to compensatory movement patterns.”

Chiropractic can help considerably with recovery from a neck or back injury incurred in a vehicle collision.  A Chiropractor can use a number of techniques including gentle manipulation and deep tissue massage to help the recovery of the soft tissues (muscles and ligaments) and restore normal spinal function.

In addition, ice pack treatment, home exercises and nutritional supplementation may be recommended.

Self-help suggestions for Whiplash injury sufferers

• Avoid repetitive movements such as sweeping, digging, bending or twisting
• Make sure you sit correctly – your Chiropractor can demonstrate
• Test the size of an object before lifting – ask someone to help if possible – if not, carry the load as closely to the body as possible
• Do not keep your head turned in any one direction for a long period of time
• If you operate a VDU, be sure to rotate the position of any reference material stand from left to right
• Refrain from slouching - it may seem comfortable but it is counter productive
• Make sure you sleep on a medium to firm mattress and try not to sleep on your stomach
• Your Chiropractor may give you a series of exercises to do at home

For advice or a free consultation please call Dynamic Chiropractic on 0800 652 8854.