When your neck muscles are strained due to a quick backward and forward movement, you have whiplash. It tears and stretches the ligaments and tendons in your neck due to the rapid movement.
Rear-end collisions are a leading source of whiplash in the general population. There are many additional causes of whiplash, such as a sports accident, physical abuse, or a fall. Many different sorts of neck injuries might be described as neck sprains and strains, including whiplash.
Below you will find information on how to treat whiplash injuries.
The vast majority of patients with whiplash recover within a few weeks of receiving treatment, including pain medication and physical therapy. Some people, however, suffer from long-term neck pain and other issues.
Treatments for Whiplash
The severity of your whiplash injury will dictate the course of treatment you receive. Over-the-counter medications and home care are sufficient for some persons. Prescription medicine, specialized pain management, or physical therapy may be necessary for some people.
Self-care
After a whiplash injury, rest is the most crucial thing you can do for the first 24 to 48 hours. There will be the most noticeable symptoms and sensitive tissues during this time. Even if you’re feeling OK, take two days off to rest and recuperate before getting back into the routine.
It is also crucial that you remember to keep moving. The muscles in your neck and back may become strained if you don’t move them for a week. Take a 48-hour break from moving your neck. Walking and yoga can help loosen up your muscles, so incorporate these into your daily routine.
Cold/Heat
Swelling and inflammation can create pain and discomfort if they are not reduced by applying ice to the area. Remember that using ice straight to your skin can make an excruciating burn, so always wrap ice or an ice pack in a soft cloth.
During the first 48 hours, you can administer heat to the same regions. Heat therapy aids in muscle relaxation and blood flow to soft tissues, bringing oxygen and nutrients to the body. There is a risk that muscles and soft tissues will tense or stiffen as they battle inflammation.
Assists in relieving pain and warming up the muscles by applying heat. To get the best results, you can alternate between ice and heat therapy at this point.
Over-the-counter (OTC) medications
A doctor should supervise this.
If you are experiencing pain, you can take acetaminophen (Tylenol) or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs). These drugs, however, can have side effects.
Please do not use them regularly unless your doctor tells you to. If you take any other medications or have any medical conditions, you should check with your doctor before taking them. Painkillers and muscle relaxants may be prescribed if over-the-counter drugs fail.
Muscle relaxants
Your doctor may prescribe these medications for a short time to release tense muscles and alleviate discomfort. The drug can also cause you to become drowsy. It can be used to help you obtain a decent night’s sleep if you are experiencing pain.
You can also consider sleeping on a customized neck pillow for increased comfort. Place it beneath your neck, not your chin. Additionally, sleeping with a tightly rolled-up towel beneath your neck works. If you’re using a neck pillow or rolled towel, avoid using your regular pillow concurrently.
Exercise
Whiplash can cause neck pain and a reduced capacity to move your neck as freely as before the incident. Some specific exercises are aimed to alleviate the symptoms of whiplash by improving healthy posture and increasing the range of motion in the neck.
To adequately support your skull and cervical joints, you need strong and flexible neck muscles, which can alleviate some of your back and neck pain.
Physical Therapy
Treatments like bracing and medicines can be used in conjunction with physical therapy to maximize its efficacy in whiplash treatment. A physical therapist can work with you to restore the appropriate function and movement of your neck’s soft tissues after a whiplash injury.
Physical treatment for whiplash patients aims to alleviate muscular spasms, boost blood flow, and promote the healing of the neck tissues, in general.
Always consult your doctor.
You can anticipate an inquiry from your doctor regarding the incident and your current symptoms as you undergo general evaluation. Additionally, your doctor may ask you a series of questions to determine the intensity and frequency with which your symptoms occur.
You must receive follow-up care to ensure your health and safety. Make and keep all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse call line if you have any issues. Your test findings and the medicines you take should also be kept in mind.
What happens if you don’t get treatment for your whiplash injury?
Rest may not be enough to aid your recovery. Treatment for whiplash depends on the severity of the injury and the accompanying symptoms. Delay in treatment can have long-term consequences for health, such as chronic discomfort.
Whiplash pain can be excruciating, but it can lead to more severe health issues if left untreated. Whiplash treatment is necessary to avoid long-term health consequences such as persistent pain, loss of movement, and headaches.
Learn more about how to treat whiplash by contacting Stridewell
If you recently suffered whiplash, you should know how long it takes to heal. The intensity and duration of discomfort might vary substantially. Fortunately, most people recover in a few weeks with some stiffness or soreness, but chronic pain may develop if treatment is not sought immediately. Tissue damage may also necessitate surgery.
Fortunately, various treatments help patients recuperate rapidly and return to regular lives. Contact a whiplash injury clinic now to learn more!
read article
