Common Whiplash Treatments

Whiplash is a common kind of neck injury. It can take many forms, but it is often painful, and the pain may radiate. We offer several safe, complementary therapies for whiplash at Kosak Chiropractic in Fairfield, and are available for our patients during the coronavirus outbreak. But we need you to understand why if you may have suffered whiplash, you need to take it seriously.

 

You may have heard whiplash referred to as cervical acceleration-deceleration syndrome. That is because it is characterized by the microtears the soft tissues of the neck incur when a person’s head is whipped back and forth, as frequently happens during car crashes. Small tears in the muscles, ligaments, and spinal discs will cause the tissues to become inflamed and stiffen, limiting the neck’s movement. The pain may be throbbing, or it may feel like pins and needles and come and go. It may also travel along the neck muscles into the shoulders or up to the head.

 

We will diagnose the extent of a person’s whiplash injury through imaging and range-of-motion tests. Resting injured muscles too much risks that they will further deteriorate, which is why we will use the information we learn during the diagnosis to prescribe gentle stretching exercises, instead. We may also reduce stiffness by gently adjusting the neck and administering therapeutic massages. Whiplash symptoms may take a while to develop, but they respond better to treatment when caught early. If you’ve been in a vehicular crash or similar accident, schedule an appointment with us right away.

Kosak Chiropractic is located at 1252 Travis Blvd., Suite G, Fairfield, CA, 94533. To schedule an appointment, visit Kosak Chiropractic online or call 707-426-1111.

Safety while Raking

Yardwork is a great way to exercise and get much-needed sunlight. But like all exercise, it has to be done in a way that minimizes the risk of joint and soft tissue damage. We at Kosak Chiropractic in Fairfield are happy to assist people who have suffered a strain while raking, but we also want to ensure our patients are staying safe. Therefore, we thought we’d pass along some raking tips from the American Chiropractic Association.

You’ll want to use a rake that is long enough that you won’t need to bend down while using it, but that is lightweight. Dress in clothes that are warm, but breathable, and that allow you to move freely. Tie back your hair and remove dangling jewelry. You’ll need shoes that are supportive and have slip-resistant soles. To cut down on how much weight you’ll be lifting, try to only rake when the leaves are dry.

Prior to raking, do a five-minute warm-up of dynamic stretches, just as you would before any work-out. As you rake, stand in a scissor position, with one foot forward and one back. Switch which hand is higher on the rake about every five minutes, and as you lift the leaves, squat down or bend at your hips, not your waist. Test whether you’re able to easily lift the leaf bag before it’s filled to the brim. When you’re done raking, do a five-minute cooldown that also incorporates stretches. And remember, if you have any doubt about whether it’s safe for you to do yardwork, feel free to call us.

Kosak Chiropractic is located at 1252 Travis Blvd., Suite G, Fairfield, CA, 94533. To schedule an appointment, visit Kosak Chiropractic online or call 707-426-1111.