Traditional therapies for acute whiplash vary depending on the degree of the condition and the person being treated (i.e. risk factors). Symptoms usually resolve more quickly when the time between the onset of symptoms and the beginning of treatment is as short as possible. If treatment is delayed, the complete resolution of symptoms may take 12 months or more. Treatment typically begins after a visit the emergency room or primary caregiver only to be given medications that do not always work.

Eliminating muscle spasms and correcting joint malposition are paramount, which usually requires some degree of rest between care, the use of ice or heat after activities, and an evaluation of the patient’s lifestyle / activities of daily living (ADL). The main purpose is to ease pain and reduce inflammation that arises from tearing of the soft tissues supporting the neck. The multifaceted approach to care has been shown to have the best results;  Massage, Chiropractic, Physical Therapy, and early exercise rehabilitation integration. Due to the long term consequences of some types of injuries, modifications in ADLs will become necessary.  This may be in the form of diet, posture, work, hobbies and sleep habit corrections.

According to the Insurance Research Council, nearly 1/3 of all claimants injured in motor vehicle accidents (MVA's) seek treatment from doctors of chiropractic (DC). This is an impressive number given that the National Safety Council (NSC) has determined there to be more than 12 million MVA's annually involving more than 20 million vehicles. Chronic whiplash injuries are also notoriously resistant to any form of treatment. Chiropractic treatment was the only proven effective forms of care in the treatment of chronic whiplash related injuries. In a 1996 study by Woodward et. al., published in the journal “Injury,” Chiropractic treatment was able to help relieve the pain for 93% of patients with chronic whiplash injuries.¹ Many studies have also found individuals injured in MVA's prefer chiropractic care for the treatment of their injuries. One such study evaluated 190 whiplash injury victims and found those who received chiropractic care reported treatment satisfaction of 100%.

Through the use of carefully controlled pressures directed at the spine and various physical therapy modalities, combined with that of exercise and nutrition, whiplash sufferers have a better outcome. This is also known as chiropractic rehabilitation, and is the unique domain of the chiropractic physician. 

Studies have demonstrated that without proper movement within the fixated spinal joints, osteoarthritis of the spine and nerve root complications may be accelerated.

Chiropractic "Only Proven Effective Treatment" for Chronic Whiplash

References

1. Woodward MN, Cook JCH, Gargan MF, Bannister GC. Chiropractic treatment of chronic whiplash injuries. Injury 1996;27:643-645.
2. Khan S, Cook J, Gargan M, Bannister G. A symptomatic classification of whiplash injury and the implications for treatment. Journal of Orthopaedic Medicine 1999;21(1):22-25.

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