If you were recently involved in a car accident, you may be dealing with a whiplash injury. Many have found that visiting a good local chiropractor in Princeton Junction, NJ when dealing with a whiplash injury due to a car accident, physical abuse, or a sports injury can be beneficial.
One reason why chiropractic care is effective for whiplash injuries is because it helps reduce inflammation near the ligaments and muscles that have been affected. It can restore shoulder and neck mobility. When you visit a local chiropractor in Princeton Junction, NJ for the first time with this type of injury, the chiropractor will conduct a full examination to make sure there are no other issues you are dealing with. It may be necessary to have X-rays or an MRI performed.
When whiplash occurs, the cervical spine is hyper-flexed and hyperextended, which leads to intense inflammation. The treatment plan used by the chiropractor will likely be multistage to help heal muscles, tendons, and joints. The very first thing they may do is help do light neck stretching. Ultrasound therapy may also be used for improving blood circulation. When there is improved blood flow, this reduces stiffness and swelling.
Specific spinal manipulation may also be used if the chiropractor sees that there is abnormal motion or the spinal joints are restricted. Gentle thrusting techniques will be used to restore motion, stretch soft tissue, and stimulate the nervous system. Other techniques that may be used include instrument-assisted soft tissue therapy, flexion distraction techniques, and trigger point therapy.