What's best for whiplash - chiropractic care or osteopathy?

It has long been known that spinal problems, back pain and neck pain can be dealt with successfully by chiropractic and osteopathy following a whiplash injury. However, many people are confused about the difference between the two treatments and are unsure how they vary.

Whiplash symptoms

Symptoms can persist for months following a whiplash injury causing chronic pain, tension headaches and a motley array of side-issues including impaired concentration, attention deficit disorder and poor memory retention. Read more about common whiplash symptoms.

Some of the most common symptoms of a whiplash injury treated by both chiropractors and osteopaths include tight or aching shoulders, headaches, particularly at the base of the skull, back pain, sciatica, and trapped nerves. Trapped nerves can also lead to pain, numbness and pins and needles in the relevant limb served by the nerve (the left arm, for example).

What can a chiropractor or osteopath do?

Both chiropractors and osteopaths can assist in shifting and adjusting a spine that has been pulled out of place following a car accident or other accident. However, an osteopath deals with the muscles as well.

A chiropractor will carry out a physical examination, adjust the vertebrae and/or key joints and take X-rays. Some people think this is extremely important as detail about subluxation of the spine and vertebrae will be expressed in the X-ray. Exercises are usually suggested to improve and strengthen muscles as well as increase balance and strength.

Osteopathic treatment, on the other hand, concentrates on the relationship between the whole structure of the body and the way the body moves and functions. Bones, muscles and ligaments are all looked at but no X-rays are taken.

What about cranial osteopathy?

Craniosacral therapy was developed by American osteopath Dr William Sutherland in the early 1900s. He discovered movements of the bones in the head, different rhythms in the body and the gentle pulse of the cerebro spinal fluid.

This branch of osteopathy deals with the cranial bones and with many head traumas alongside whiplash injuries. It's a very subtle treatment which releases tension and soothes the body and mind.

During a cranio-sacral treatment, the practitioner will work on the cerebro spinal fluid (CSF) which surrounds the tissue in and around the brain and travels up and down the spine. In a typical session, the therapist will make contact by placing their hands lightly on the patient's body and tuning in to what is happening by "listening" with their hands.

How to find a practitioner in your area

For a BCA (British Chiropractic Association) accredited chiropractor near you, visit the British Chiropractic Association website at www.chiropractic-uk.co.uk and enter your postcode.

Alternatively, if you want to find an osteopath, the British Osteopathic Association is the largest professional association for osteopaths in the UK. Visit www.osteopathy.org and select "find an osteopath".

Whiplash compensation

The head and neck area are extremely vulnerable and prone to responding badly to quick and sudden movements, meaning that whiplash injuries are particularly common as a result of car accidents.

While there are many treatments available to deal with whiplash symptoms, it may take some time for these symptoms to disappear and your daily life is likely be affected.

If you have been involved in a non-fault accident, we can help you to claim compensation for pain, suffering, lost earnings and medical expenses.

Call us now on 0808 143 43 42 and we will take you step-by-step through the claims process.