Whiplash – “Think well, Be well”

Whiplash – “Think well, Be well”

What does “think well, be well” mean for whiplash cases? Well, many whiplash victims also typically have associated problems such as travel anxiety, kinesiophobia (fear of moving the head and neck), sleep disturbance, depression, and lower levels of concentration. It is important to consider this while searching for treatment solutions, and to find a health care provider that understands the mechanisms of whiplash and the associated symptoms. What should you do to avoid these symptoms? Don’t look for the pain, but don’t be afraid to move your head and neck. Relax and do something you like to do. A 2011 study¹ found that those individuals who were less fearful of moving their head and neck had a better chance of pain relief.

So what exactly is whiplash? Whiplash is one of the most common problems that effects those in car accidents, even at very low speeds. Whiplash can also occur from other traumas such as falls or sports injuries. Whiplash is defined as an acceleration-deceleration mechanism of energy transfer to the neck (meaning when you get hit by something or somebody your head goes back and forth). Neck pain and headaches are often the direct response to a whiplash injury.

So what is actually injured in a whiplash trauma? Your neck duh! But what parts of your neck? Is it the intervertebral disc, the ligaments holding your neck together, the muscles that move your neck? Actually research shows that the most common tissue injury that causes pain is injury to the joints of your neck, specifically the facet joints. So who treats these specific joints non-surgically with great outcomes? Chiropractors. We adjust these facet joints to allow them to function properly, restore motion, and decrease pain. To find out more please go to http://kauffmanchiropractic.com/injury474.html

 

References:

1. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2011 Oct;34(8):506-13.The relationship between self-rated disability, fear-avoidance beliefs, and nonorganic signs in patients with chronic whiplash-associated disorder.Vernon H, Guerriero R, Soave D, Kavanaugh S, Puhl A, Reinhart C.

 

Kauffman Chiropractic offers quality chiropractic care to patients who live in Loveland, Mason, Montgomery, Maineville, and the surrounding areas. Call (513) 444-4529 to make your appointment today!