Whiplash Treatment in St. James

When an individual suffers through a traumatic event like a car accident, they often begin to experience neck pain and stiffness. This is typically the initial symptoms of whiplash, a neck injury that is caused by forceful, rapid back-and-forth movement of the neck. In addition to automobile incidents, whiplash can also occur from a sports injury, physical abuse or other trauma. Fortunately, Dr. Raymond Semente is a doctor of chiropractic therapy who specializes in the treatment of patients that have been in automobile accidents.

Treatment for whiplash can vary depending on the severity of the individual’s injury. In a chiropractic setting, Dr. Semente might include a variety of treatment options such as:

Manipulation
Muscle relaxation/ stimulation
Exercises
Ergonomic and lifestyle changes

Chiropractic Manipulation:

For patients with whiplash, spinal manipulation would be the primary treatment used to alleviate pain. The treatment involves gentle motion of the joint that is causing the restriction.

Muscle Relaxation/Stimulation:

Muscle relaxation/stimulation differs from spinal manipulation where instead of moving the painful joint, this involves gentle stretches of the affected area to relieve the tension in the muscles surrounding the neck. If the muscle is resistant to gentle stretches the doctor might use more pressure to loosen the tightened muscles in order to provide relief to the patient.

If those treatments don’t work other treatment options might include using interferential electrical stimulation. This device uses low electrical currents to help stimulate the muscles which in turn can reduce inflammation in the neck. Another medical device that could be used is an ultrasound machine, which is used to help increase blood flow. This helps to reduce muscle spasms, muscle stiffness, all of which are a direct result of someone suffering from whiplash.

If you are suffering from whiplash please feel free to call the office to make an appointment with Dr. Semente in St. James.