Estimates suggest that around 2 million Americans suffer a whiplash each year. Most people think of whiplash when they hear the word. These injuries are caused by a variety of lifestyle choices. Neck/whiplash injuries can also be caused by falls, head impacts and accidents that traumatize your neck. A person I knew who had been in a crawlspace that was low, accidentally jammed his neck by moving around. This caused a whiplash injury. Sports and activities such as football, soccer and cheerleading can cause whiplash.

It is vital to treat whiplash injuries seriously in order to prevent long-term effects. It is important to find a treatment and approach that will minimize pain while promoting recovery. The article discusses whiplash injuries, and how to treat them safely, gently, naturally.

Whiplash injuries are more likely to occur as one gets older. If an accident happens, a person who has osteoarthritis or less neck mobility is at greater risk of neck injuries. Elderly people are at a higher risk of whiplash injuries and should be evaluated and treated promptly.

Even minor symptoms can be warning signs if a person has been in an auto accident or suffered a trauma. It is important to not ignore a headache, slight neck discomfort or stiffness. Simple tests can reveal abnormal findings.

Doctors of chiropractic are trained to identify whiplash-related disorders. Chiropractors receive extensive training in anatomy and biomechanics. The chiropractor is also able to read MRI and x-ray images.

The physical examination can reveal spasms in the muscles or a decrease in the normal range of neck motion. It may also show misalignment of the spine bones, causing irritation of joints and pinched nerves.

A chiropractor may be able to provide treatment if an examination reveals that a whiplash injury occurred. Manipulation is a common method of treatment that chiropractors use. Chiropractic spinal adjustment is another term for manipulation. This is a gentle, safe manual therapy that can be used to manage neck pain. A chiropractor will use a delicate movement to adjust a misaligned neck spinal vertebra. The patient will experience relief from neck pain. These methods, which are physical and mechanical in nature, are not pharmacological or surgical.

It is important that anyone who has been involved in an accident with whiplash-related disorder seeks medical attention immediately. The risk of chronic symptoms increases when you delay. Take whiplash injuries seriously to get neck pain relief.