Multiple Studies Confirm Positive Outcomes of Chiropractic Care for Whiplash Injuries

The above headline comes from a July 05, 2007 release from the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress. This release notes that chiropractic care provides significant, ongoing relief for whiplash. According to the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress, "Whiplash is defined as an injury to the cervical spine caused by an abrupt jerking motion of the head, backward or forward, often occurring from rear on-set automobile accidents and amusement rides or the result of falls, accidents and sporting activities."

Whiplash is a very common occurrence. The director of the Spine Research Institute, San Diego, Arthur C. Croft, D.C. and a member of the foundation notes, "Nearly one out of 15 adult Americans suffers from the annoying and sometimes debilitating long-term effects of whiplash injury, usually in the form of neck stiffness and pain."

Dr. Croft continues by noting that several scientific studies on whiplash have confirmed the benefits of chiropractic care. He states, "While chiropractic care in the acute stage can often stave off this unpleasant outcome, two of the studies have shown that even in the chronic stage, chiropractic intervention can provide up to 90 percent relief for these sufferers."

One of the studies reported in the journal Injury by authors Gargan and Bannister states that, "93 percent of the 28 patients studied retrospectively were found to have a statistically significant improvement following chiropractic care." The Foundation's release also reported that in a follow-up study published in the Journal of Orthopaedic Medicine, authors Khan, Cook, Gargan, & Bannister concluded that, "Whiplash injuries are common. Chiropractic is the only proven effective treatment in chronic cases. Our study enables patients to be classified at initial assessment in order to target those patients who will benefit from such treatment."

Gerard W. Clum, D.C. president of Life Chiropractic College West, Hayward, California, and spokesperson for the Foundation commented, "Whether you are driving locally to a convenience store or embarking on a long road trip, careful driving and using the proper restraints and seatbelts can help to prevent whiplash resulting from automobile accidents." He also noted, "Proper safety and head gear can also assist in preventing whiplash in sporting and other activities. Chiropractic care is a well established and effective intervention providing considerable relief."