How a Chiropractor Helps with Whiplash

Q: What exactly is whiplash, and how can a chiropractor help?

A: Whiplash is a neck injury that happens when the head is suddenly and forcefully jerked forward, backward, or to the side. It’s most common in car accidents, but it can also happen during sports or even a simple fall. What makes whiplash tricky is that it doesn’t just affect one part of the neck—it can involve the muscles, ligaments, nerves, bones, and even the discs in the spine.

When the neck sustains a whiplash injury, the muscles and soft tissues can get overstretched or even torn. This causes inflammation and swelling, and sometimes the vertebrae in the neck can shift out of proper alignment. That misalignment can lead to things like pinched nerves or disc problems, which is why whiplash can feel so uncomfortable.
The first priority in caring for a whiplash injury is calming down the inflammation. This can be done using gentle therapies like ice or other modalities. Once the swelling begins to ease, the focus turns to restoring movement and function. Specific, gentle adjustments help realign the vertebrae, and over time, this can help your body heal more naturally and comfortably.