Whiplash is an injury to the neck commonly aligned with a rear-end collision. However, other traumatic accidents can also cause the condition. When the head is violently pushed forward and back, the neck’s soft tissues and cervical spine are often unnaturally extended, causing inflammation and other imbalances in the tissues.
Because whiplash is typically an acute injury that appears due to a sudden accident, anyone can suffer from it.
Common causes of whiplash include:
Rear-ended car accidents
Sports injuries
Slip and falls
Blows to the chin
Physical altercations
Aggressive pulling on the arms
Tackles and hits
If you’ve been involved in an accident that forced the head and neck to vigorously and dangerously thrust back and forth from momentum, you may experience whiplash. In some cases, discomfort shows up hours or even days after the event.
Working with a chiropractor immediately after your accident can help you quickly discover whether you have the neck injury and get the correct treatment before pain worsens or spreads.
An experienced whiplash chiropractor can help you find relief from whiplash symptoms by treating the injury with safe, non-invasive techniques and providing guidance regarding exercises, stretches, posture, and lifestyle to complement your in-clinic services.
Common Whiplash Symptoms
If you’re unsure whether you’re suffering from whiplash, keep an eye out for the common symptoms associated with it.
Some symptoms of whiplash include:
Neck stiffness
Neck weakness
Neck pain ranging from dull and aching to intense
Loss of range of motion
Loss of flexibility
Neck pain that gets worse over hours or days
Pain in the shoulders, back, or arms
Headaches or dizziness
And others
Fortunately, chiropractic care can help alleviate these whiplash symptoms, restoring proper movement patterns by treating the affected soft tissues.
Chiropractic Care to Successfully Treat Whiplash
Chiropractic techniques are gentle yet highly effective. They offer fast relief that doesn’t mask pain as medication does but instead promotes the body’s natural healing process to correct the injury.
Masking your symptoms can lead to further imbalances and cause more discomfort. Pain tells you that something is wrong, so it’s important to pay attention and find a proper, lasting, responsible solution, such as chiropractic.
Chiropractic methods that can help treat whiplash include:
Manual chiropractic adjustments and spinal manipulation
Physiotherapies, such as cold laser, ultrasound, soft tissue therapy and more
Massage therapy
Rehabilitation
And others
These treatments, combined with natural at-home remedies, can benefit your pain now and help with the healing process overall.
How to Treat Whiplash Symptoms Naturally At Home
Accidents happen and are generally surprising and unavoidable, so preventing one is difficult. If you find yourself involved in an accident and suffering from whiplash discomfort, here are some safe, trusted tips to help you.
Ways to naturally reduce whiplash discomforts at home:
Apply ice to the neck, shoulders, and upper back- icing the affected area will decrease blood flow, reducing inflammation and swelling and improving comfort
Rest and support the neck- most activities require your neck’s function (even as we sit and stand, the neck supports the weight of the head); use a U-pillow, headrest, or neck brace to give your neck’s tissues and spine a break, removing pressure and allowing time for recovery
Stretch the neck- gently stretching the neck and shoulders will keep the tissues and cervical spine active, so muscle and flexibility aren’t lost; the stretches should provide relief, not generate more pain
Massage the neck, shoulders, and back- discomfort typically carries mental stress and anxiety with it, so give yourself a soothing, relaxing massage that also removes pressures and tension placed upon the neck’s tissues
These safe, organic at-home remedies for whiplash can improve your comfort and support recovery. However, if any of these tips heighten your discomfort, you should stop and speak to your chiropractor before moving forward.
Visit Appalachia Chiropractic & Wellness for Whiplash Relief
We understand the importance of your neck’s function, and pain isn’t an option. Whether you sit at a desk the majority of the day, play with your children every weekend, or run in marathons regularly, whiplash should not be standing in your way.
Our team is prepared to help your body heal. Contact our whiplash chiropractor, and get the pain relief you deserve.
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