Physical Therapy or Chiropractic?

People are injured in car accidents, work related injuries or during sporting events everyday.  When this happens, they usually see a medical doctor.  During their visit they are often referred to a physical therapist.  Physical Therapy is a great way to condition your muscles and body after an injury but chiropractic also offers great relief as well.  Lets look at how chiropractic can help facilitate health.

As a chiropractor, I offer soft tissue relief and rehabilitation, exercises, physiotherapy and musculo-skeletal relief.   Doesn’t it sound reasonable to have a full spectrum of care instead of just performing exercises after an injury?  Don’t get me wrong, I think physical therapy helps but chiropractic offers exercises and so much more!

At my office, I offer a long term solution to get you healthy and functioning at your highest level.  After your pain has subsided and your bones and tissues are stabilized, you will begin an exercise program that will keep you healthy.  You just have to stick to it!

Give us a call if you have had an auto injury, hurt yourself during a sporting event or have any physical complaint. We can give you a consultation right over the phone.

Whiplash and chiropractic

Whiplash is an injury to the cervical spine (neck).  In a whiplash injury the joints between the spinal bones (vertebrae), discs, muscles, ligaments and nerves may be irritated or damaged.

When does whiplash occur?
Whiplash is commonly seen with car accidents but it can happen in any case where a person is hit from behind.  This can be from sports or even if someone playfully pushes you from behind a little too hard.

Symptoms of whiplash can happen within a two week period.  It doesn’t necessarily happen right after the incident.  Pain in neck, arm, hand and/or shoulders is common.  Limited neck movement, swelling, stiffness, dizziness, ringing in the ears, blurred vision, concentration or memory difficulty, insomnia may also occur.

How do you know if you have whiplash?
Most of the time you will have discomfort and not be able to move properly.  After car accidents it is common to take an X-ray.  It will show the bone positions in the neck and soft tissue swelling in the neck.   After a car accident it is common for most hospitals to take a CT Scan or MRI to see if there is any serious soft tissue or cervical disc damage.

How can whiplash be helped?
Well, first the swelling needs to be diminished.  Ice packs help this problem tremendously.  Then after the swelling is down, we can start working with getting the scar tissue and damage in the soft tissues of the neck repaired and functioning properly.  Gentle adjustments to the neck allow the neck to keep its curve and move without promoting more damage.  During treatment, exercised to strengthen the neck are performed.

In the past cervical collars were immediately put on patients after a car accident.  This is not recommended unless there is a severe injury with a lot of instability in the neck.  Normally, if a collar is worn and there is no severe damage, the muscles and ligaments in the neck weaken and this can promote further injury.

We have helped several patients that have come in with whiplash.  Soft tissue repair and neck adjustments can get you back to normal.  Just because you have a car accident and were hurt doesn’t mean you have to live your life in pain and dysfunction.  We can help!

Call our office today!

Precise Moves Chiropractic
San Carlos, CA
650-353-1133