Whiplash Treatment in San Diego

Whiplash is a soft tissue injury to the neck and is also refered to as a neck sprain or neck strain. Whiplash is characterized by a collection of symptoms that occur following damage to the neck, usually because of sudden extension and flexion. Whiplash is a disorder that commonly occurs as the result of an automobile accident and may include injury to intervertebral joints, discs, and ligaments, cervical muscles, and nerve roots. Whiplash symptoms such as neck pain may be present directly after the injury or may be delayed for several days. In addition to neck pain, other symptoms may include neck stiffness, injuries to the muscles and ligaments (myofascial injuries), headache, dizziness, abnormal sensations such as burning or prickling (paresthesias), or shoulder or back pain.

Chiropractic Treatment: The British Journal of Orthopaedic Medicine(1999) 22(1):22-25 reported that “chiropractic is the only proven effective treatment in chronic cases” of whiplash injury. Dr Pozhitsky's chiropractic treatment approach to each whiplash injury in San Diego is directed at the primary dysfunctions detected during his examination. Treatment may include: Chiropractic spinal manipulation to treat whiplash: the primary treatment for joint dysfunction. The chiropractor gently moves the involved joint into the direction in which it is restricted and may involve the application of a short thrust in that direction. In many cases, instead of a thrust, a slow mobilizing movement is used by the chiropractor. Muscle relaxation or stimulation to treat whiplash: the primary chiropractic treatments for muscle dysfunction related to a whiplash injury. They consist of gentle stretches to the muscle that has excessive tension or repeated contractions of the muscle that is inhibited. If the muscle is very tight, a more vigorous stretch may be applied by the chiropractor. Gentle finger pressure techniques may be applied to trigger points to relieve the pain associated with the tight muscles. McKenzie exercises to treat whiplash: exercises specifically designed to reduce disc derangement related to a whiplash injury. These exercises consist of simple movements done initially in the office which make for an easy transition to self-care at home. These exercises help the patient to take an active role in his or her own recovery. Stabilization or sensorimotor exercise to treat whiplash: exercise approaches designed to correct faulty movement patterns in routine activities and everyday life. They train the nervous system to better coordinate and control movement patterns, and improve the ability of the neck muscles to maintain stability of the neck. These exercises are designed to help in a major trauma, such as a fall or whiplash during a motor vehicle accident, or in "micro trauma" from simple things such as being jostled in a crowd, playing sports or performing occupational or home jobs that require physical effort. Ergonomic and lifestyle advice for a whiplash injury: suggested improvements for performing everyday activities with minimal strain to the body. The advice addresses factors in an individual’s work, home or recreational activities that perpetuate the dysfunctions that result from the accident. The chiropractor may teach the patient better "use of self" and, if necessary, stress reduction methods to help chiropractic problems.