Whiplash can be caused by many things but most often it results from an auto accident. The sudden snapping of the head and neck forward and back can cause extensive and painful damage. Dr. Peter Lazarnick (Dr. Pete) of Carrollton, GA offers a wide variety of treatments for this painful condition at his chiropractic office.
After you have had an auto accident, there are three things you need to do: contact your auto insurance, get a repair estimate and make an appointment with your chiropractor.
Spinal adjustment and manipulation
After an initial evaluation, the first treatment is usually a spinal adjustment. Whiplash can cause painful damage to your neck and back. Some of the vertebrae may have been forced out of alignment. Getting them back into place can help avoid any additional pain from that misalignment.
Electric stimulation therapy
When your neck gets snapped back and forth, it can stretch the muscles and ligaments in the neck. This sometimes results in a lot of pain. Electric stimulation therapy applied to the muscles makes them contract, which tires them out. When they get tired, they relax and that helps with the pain. Dr. Pete uses different types of electrical stimulation therapy, and he will choose which one will be right for you.
Laser therapy
Low level laser therapy helps to heal deep in the soft tissue. You may feel warmth but not all people do. It can reduce the amount of scar tissue that develops and help speed up the healing process. This therapy is done with a handheld device and helps with both chronic and acute pain.
Ice pack cryotherapy
With an injury like whiplash, the muscles and ligaments can be very painful from the stretch they have undergone. Getting some ice on them to cut down the inflammation and the pain is vital for your comfort and should be done as soon after the injury as is reasonably possible.
Therapeutic exercise
After your initial visit, having exercises that can continue your recovery while you are at home is a big help in the recovery process. Your chiropractor will give your instructions on how to perform them and, especially stretching after an accident, is a way to keep from stiffening up.
If you're suffering from whiplash, don't waste any time. Contact Dr. Pete in Carrollton, GA for the latest in chiropractic therapy and techniques to help get you back to normal asap. Call our office at 770-832-2226 to make an appointment.