An automobile crash can cause a wide variety of injuries. Seat belts now prevent someone from hitting his face against the dashboard. Also, he is not thrown from the vehicle. A leading Lakeland FL Chiropractor sees many victims of whiplash, usually occurring as the result of a car rear-ending the one in which the victim is riding.

The head is thrust backward and immediately thrust forward much as it is in shaken baby syndrome. A subluxation occurs when one or more of the seven cervical vertebrae are forced out of place by the motions. These seven vertebrae are the portion of the spine located in the neck.

Subluxation is a chiropractic term for a misalignment of one or more of these bones. In the case of whiplash, it is one of the seven located in the neck. When misplaced, they press against a nerve root located there. This can cause pain ranging from serious to unbearable.

Turning to chiropractic care leads to reducing the level of that pain. This is achieved through a series of spinal adjustments that ease the vertebrae back into the correct position. As pressure on the nerve root is relieved, so is the pain.

The first visit to the chiropractor is spent assessing your condition. You will be questioned about the pain and your neck and back will be examined. Non-invasive tests such as range of motion and reflexes will help determine the best method of care to alleviate your hurt.

If you are a suitable candidate for spinal adjustments a series of appointments will be set up to administer them. Conjunctive care might include massage and eventually, a regimen of gentle exercises to do at home. This will encourage flexibility between adjustments.

The length of time required to alleviate the hurt varies. Factors of age and general health influence that. What is important is that your care does not require prescription or over-the-counter medication. Rely on the professional advice of your chiropractor to select the best method of care for you.