If you’ve ever been in a car accident and experienced severe neck pain, chances are you’ve had whiplash. It’s one of the most common injuries from vehicular accidents. Fortunately, your chiropractor can help you heal and recover.
During a car accident, your head and neck can be suddenly thrown from side to side, simulating the action of a whip, which is how whiplash gets its name. The sudden, violent action can cause muscle, tendon and ligament strain.
Whiplash signs and symptoms can take time to develop. Typically, within 24 hours of the accident, you may notice these signs and symptoms of whiplash:
Moderate to severe pain in your neck
Increasing stiffness in your neck
Neck pain that increases with movement
Headache pain at the base of your skull
Increasing pain in your upper back, shoulders, and arms
Numbness and tingling in your arms
Fatigue or dizziness
Blurred vision or tinnitus
Difficulty sleeping or concentrating
If you think you might be suffering from whiplash, you can try a few simple home remedies like these to get relief:
Placing an ice pack on your neck
Placing moist heat on your neck
Resting and avoiding activity for a few days
Taking over-the-counter pain and anti-inflammatory medication
Doing gentle neck movements and stretches
For moderate to severe whiplash signs and symptoms it’s important to visit your chiropractor. There are several effective ways your chiropractor can help you heal and recover from whiplash. Your chiropractor may recommend:
Manual adjustment to help realign your cervical vertebrae, muscles, tendons, and ligaments
Immobilizing your neck with a neck collar to provide stability so your muscles, ligaments, and tendons can heal
Therapeutic massage and thermal therapies to relax muscles and boost circulation to help you heal
Physical therapy, including treatments to reduce stiffness and increase range-of-motion
You don’t have to suffer from whiplash when relief is just a phone call away. To learn more about the warning signs of whiplash and how your chiropractor can help you heal, call your chiropractor today.
