Overcoming Neck Injuries: How to Treat Whiplash
About 3 million Americans sustain whiplash injuries each year. Since whiplash can lead to long-term consequences such as a stiff neck and shoulder as well as chronic pain, it must be addressed immediately.
If you’ve sustained this type of neck injury, you may be wondering how to treat whiplash. A doctor must see you if you think you’ve been injured, and from there they’ll decide the best course of action for you to take.
There are a series of methods to treat whiplash, which we’ll discuss today. Keep reading to learn more.
Try Some At-Home Treatments
There are a number of ways in treating whiplash at home. For minor injuries, you can try applying ice to the area for 20 minutes at a time.
You can also take over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen to help reduce pain and inflammation. If you have more severe neck pain, you may need to see a doctor or physiotherapist.
They will be able to prescribe stronger medication or provide other treatments like massage or acupuncture. In most cases, whiplash recovery will improve within a few weeks with self-care.
One of the best ways to help alleviate pain and speed up the healing process is to receive a deep tissue massage
Deep tissue massage helps to break up the scar tissue that can form after an injury and can also help to increase the range of motion and flexibility.
However, if pain persists or gets worse, it is important to see a doctor to rule out other causes.
When to Seek Medical Treatment
Whiplash is a neck injury that can occur when your head is suddenly jolted forward and then backward. Symptoms of whiplash may not appear immediately but usually develop within 24 hours.
Whiplash can cause neck pain and stiffness, headaches, dizziness, and tingling or numbness in your arms. Most people recover from whiplash within a few weeks, but some may have long-term pain.
If you have neck pain, it is important to seek medical attention to rule out other causes, such as a herniated disc or spinal cord injury.
If you are diagnosed with whiplash, your doctor may recommend over-the-counter pain medications or prescription pain medications.
In some cases, your doctor may recommend physical therapy or other treatments.
If you are suffering from neck pain or whiplash, make an appointment with a chiropractor today by clicking the link: https://chiropractorgreenville.com/chiropractor-wade-hampton/
The Risks of Untreated Whiplash
The risks of untreated whiplash can be severe and long-lasting. Without proper treatment, the neck muscles and ligaments can remain locked in a spasm, which can cause chronic pain, headaches, and even dizziness.
In addition, the discs in the neck can become damaged, which can lead to nerve pain and numbness. If you have been in a car accident or have suffered any other type of neck injury, it is important to see a doctor right away.
Effective Ways on How to Treat Whiplash
Pain and stiffness are the most common symptoms, but other problems such as headaches, dizziness, and difficulty swallowing can also occur.
Treatment for whiplash typically includes rest, ice, and pain medication. Physical therapy may also be recommended to help stretches the muscles and promote healing.
To conclude, These are the ways how to treat whiplash. If you want to know more helpful treatment tips and advice, check out this section of the blog for more information on how to handle neck injuries.