If you get whiplash from a vehicle accident or sports injury, the severity of your whiplash and recovery from it depends on many factors. Your age, sex, physical condition, and posture can have a major effect on the acuteness and length of symptoms:

As you age, you lose flexibility and strength in your neck, disc and ligaments. This is why older adults may require more extensive rehabilitation for this injury.

• Women suffer whiplash more than men. Experts believe this could be because men have stronger neck muscles and women have smaller bone structures.
• Health conditions like arthritis and previous whiplash injuries can play a role.
• If you’re a smoker or you don’t exercise, your chances of healing quickly are reduced.
• Poor posture at the time of impact can worsen whiplash.
• If your driver seat’s headrest is not at the appropriate height, you may endure a more intense injury.

When you see Dr. Ruiz for chiropractic treatment of whiplash, here is what you can expect.

• Dr. Ruiz will conduct an exam to determine the extent of any injuries and may request x-rays to get a better look at the damage.
• If whiplash is confirmed, Dr. Ruiz may use a number of techniques to restore proper function to the affected areas and subluxations.
• He may also employ techniques to relax and gently stretch the muscles, applying pressure to specific trigger points on the body.
• Dr. Ruiz may recommend a full body massage from our on-site massage therapist to assist in your recovery.
• Dr. Ruiz may get you to perform specific exercises and stretches during the healing process.

There are steps you can take to minimize the risk of whiplash. Make sure your vehicle’s headrests are in the right position. The center back of your head should touch the center of the headrest or higher. When engaging in sports, you should always use appropriate and proper-fitting equipment.

If you know someone who has suffered whiplash, tell him or her that chiropractic care can make a person feel a whole lot better!