Can Chiropractors Help with Whiplash?
Whiplash is a soft tissue injury to the neck. Also known as a neck strain, it involves a variety of symptoms that all occur after damage to the neck from a sudden jolt or force. Nearly two-thirds of people hurt in car accidents develop whiplash symptoms. These symptoms don’t generally develop until hours or even a few days after the accident. Whiplash can also occur from a sports injury, work injuries, falls and more. Dr. Dale Sandvall is well versed in treating whiplash and other car accident injuries for his patients in Arlington, TX. Patient complain of pain and stiffness in the neck, headaches, dizziness, nausea and even blurred vision after their injury.
Diagnosing Whiplash
To diagnose whiplash, a chiropractor must take a history of the injury as well as the patient’s medical history. Pre-existing conditions may increase the severity of whiplash symptoms. An in-depth physical examination is conducted. In some cases, a cervical CT scan is used in order to look for trauma such as vertebra fracture. A cervical MRI can also be used if someone complains of neck pain with tingling down their arm. Oftentimes, this is caused by ligament damage. It also can be ordered as follow-up to the initial CT scan too.
Treating Whiplash with Chiropractic Methods
When treating whiplash injuries, patients should stay active unless they are asked to wear a cervical foam collar for a few days after an accident for severe instances. Neck adjustments work by improving the range of motion in the spine. This helps to eliminate pain, stiffness and soreness. It also will help patients to turn and tilt their head without pain over time. In addition to adjustments by Dr. Sandvall, massage therapy and physical therapy have both been proven to be beneficial for patients with whiplash and similar related pain.
Another treatment, Erchonia, is a cold laser treatment method for those with back pain as well as neck and shoulder pain. Cold laser treatment uses low levels of light from a laser in order to promote healing. The laser is applied to the injured area for 30 seconds up to several minutes, depending on the area being treated. This treatment method has been proven to help heal damaged and injured tissues and to reduce pain.
Schedule an Appointment to Treat Whiplash Today
Dr. Dale Sandvall of Arlington, Texas has years of experience helping treat neck, back and other pain in his patients. For those suffering from whiplash, contact a Texas chiropractor at 817-561-0808 for more information and to schedule a consultation.










