Whiplash is a type of soft tissue neck injury. The whiplash is usually associated with an "acceleration-deceleration" mechanism of high energy transfer to the neck. It usually is associated with a rear or side ended motor vehicle accident. The impact often causes associated injury to the bones, muscles, joints, ligaments and soft tissues in the neck area. Whiplash can be associated with mild to severe injury which can result in limited head and neck movements and persistent pain. The injury may last a few days to months.

As people age, their range of motion decreases and the muscles lose flexibility and strength, while ligaments lose some of their elasticity. This can make the effects of whiplash more severe for older people.

The symptoms vary from mild to severe and can include the following:

• Neck pain
• Headache
• Shoulder pain
• Lower back pain
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Visual difficulty
• Dizziness
• Localized muscle pain

The majority of individuals take at least 1-4 weeks to recover after the injury. However, a number of patients continue to experience ongoing neck pain and never recover. For practical purposes, they remain permanently disabled.

Patients who continue to have symptoms despite medical/drug treatment, patients who are unable to sleep or have limited neck and head mobility should be investigated. These patients may be helped by injection of local anesthetics into the neck area and referred to a chiropractor. The majority of patients should be referred to a physician to ensure that there is no surgical cause of injury present.

Chiropractors are professional who can help in the treatment of non-surgical spine injuries and commonly treat whiplash injuries from car accidents. The chiropractor can help overcome pain and the disability associated with whiplash. The chiropractor will perform motion palpation, designed to assess the mobility and pain reactions in the joints of the spine. The process of rehabilitation from a whiplash injury requires a combined effort between the chiropractor, the patient and any other professional assisting in the case.

Chiropractors are qualified to treat the cervical spine and whiplash injuries. Special chiropractic techniques are used to relieve the pressure that is causing the neck pain. The chiropractor can assist in realigning the spine by manually applying gentle pressure and repositioning the vertebrae. These adjustments can help restore alignment, improve mobility, relieve neck pain and stiffness. Chiropractic therapy also helps reduce patient distress and allows them to return to normal activities.

A number of treatment modalities are available for whiplash treatment and depend on the severity of symptoms. Previously, neck immobilization was the recommended treatment. However, today this antiquated form of therapy is only mentioned to be forgotten. The major thrust of all treatments is focused towards early neck mobilization and return to work as soon as possible.

The focus of treatment is as follows:

• Patient education
• Physical therapy
• Physiotherapy
• Pain management with medications
• Cervical collar
• Chiropractic adjustments

Gravity boots, inversion tables, and slant boards are also used in physical therapy and may relieve back and neck pain. Inversion therapy uses the person's own body weight to gently stretch the vertebrae. Surgery is the last resort of treatment. For those with moderate to severe whiplash injury, the major emphasis is on mobilization of the affected areas. This is best achieved with spinal manipulation and muscle therapy, either alone or in combination.

All states have a Chiropractor Board which has a list of all active practioners. When selecting a chiropractor, take the time to consult with a few different specialists. Evaluate your needs and health care goals. Discuss with your friends and family; find out whom they recommend. A referral from your family physician will help steer you in the right direction.

Because chiropractic is widely accepted as a safe and effective treatment for many types of pain and musculoskeletal conditions, chiropractic benefits are commonly included in many insurance plans.

If you are uncertain of how much and what types of chiropractic benefits your insurance plan includes, you may easily verify this. Just call the customer service number listed on your insurance card and ask a claims representative about your chiropractic benefits.

The majority of chiropractors make their treatment affordable for everyone. If one does not have insurance, discuss cash payment plans and work out a program that is appropriate to your situation.