By Carla Bergoba


One of the most common results of a rear-end car accident is the whiplash injury. It hurts and the head is left in a relatively immobile condition. Simple activities are curtailed by the joint dysfunction. Surprisingly, whiplash can even occur in slow moving crashes. Help is available in the office of a leading Gresham Chiropractor.

A chiropractic care plan typically begins with an examination of the spine. It is jarred into subluxation by the accident. Although the body is strapped in and air bags deploy, the head is free to whip forward and back. The results are like what happens to a baby when shaken. The term subluxation is used to indicate a misalignment of the spine.

After the spinal exam a medical history will be recorded and an x-ray may be taken. After the exam a care plan can be recommended based on the results. Methods of care include massage, ultrasound and spinal adjustments. It often includes more than one administered in the same time period.

The evaluation involves compiling a medical history and a hand-on examination. Usually an x-ray is taken. It is not until the assessment is completed that a care plan can start. The methods may include ultrasound applications, spinal adjustments and massage. Often a combination of two or more will be used.

Although you often see accident victims wearing the traditional neck brace, it should not be worn for any significant length of time. Also, bed rest should be limited to a few day. It allows the muscles to atrophy leaving the whiplash injury more difficult to remedy.

One successful way to alleviate the pain is ultrasound. The same sound waves that allow a pregnant woman to see her baby in utero are useful in dealing with pain. Using them relieves inflammation and allows the body to heal.

Muscle relaxation may be the concomitant care. It is also useful on its own. Gentle stretches are applied followed by contractions of the tense muscles. These same stretches can be used to alleviate headache pain and other bodily aches. Stretching exercises in general can be utilized in a preventative fashion.




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