Acupuncture for Whiplash Syndrome
Whiplash is a very common injury in Western society. It occurs almost exclusively in motor vehicle accidents (MVA) when people are not prepared for sudden trauma. Often the situation will be one in which the individual is “rear ended” as was the case in most of the people we saw.
Acupuncture has found itself split into two types: Western and Traditional.
Western Acupuncture has been readily accepted by Western physicians. It is structurally and anatomically based, and requires little supplementary training for a physician to begin utilizing it in the office. When used in the treatment of whiplash syndrome, the technique is not much different from the standard TENS machine used by physiotherapists. Needles are placed locally in the neck and surrounding areas in points of tenderness.
On the whole, Western style acupuncture is no more effective in whiplash syndrome. There may be pain relief at the time of treatment, but the effect is temporary.
Traditional Acupuncture is based on a system of medicine that is rooted in a cultural philosophy quite different from current Western thought. Perhaps this is why it has been so slow to catch on in the West, despite the fact that it has been show to be very effective in many conditions. Since traditional acupuncture is based on a holistic philosophy, both physical and emotional, and there is also a more general effect of endorphin release which contributes to pain relief, it is an ideal recovery tool. After a car accident, acupuncture can
· Decrease pain and increase range of motion
· Relax tense, knotted and strained muscles
· Relieve stress and anxiety
· Boost energy
· Decrease swelling and inflammation
· Treat headache, insomnia, whiplash/neck pain, back pain, sciatica, joint pain and more
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