Whiplash is one of the most common injuries sustained in a car accident. However, you can get whiplash in other circumstances like sports as well. This injury is caused by the violent impact motion that lashes the head forward and backward quickly. In most cases, whiplash can be treated.
Listening to your body over the next hours and days is essential if you have been in a minor car accident and don’t think you are injured. Many injuries, including whiplash, may take time to start showing symptoms. If you begin to experience pain in your neck, it’s best to seek treatment immediately.
No one likes to be put on the sidelines due to an injury. A whiplash injury could mean taking time off work to recover and keep your appointments with an auto injury chiropractor. To help you heal faster, we have compiled a few tips, including getting crucial rest and medication management.
Medication Management
Your doctor will likely advise you to take Tylenol or Advil for the pain of your whiplash. The pain you are feeling is from the bruising and inflammation of your neck muscles. Most people find relief through anti-inflammatory medications or natural supplements like CBD. In severe cases, your doctor may prescribe you an opioid drug. These pharmaceuticals can have serious side effects, including addiction, and should be taken only as directed by your doctor.
Rest
Rest is one of the best ways to help your body heal from an injury. You will need to get lots of rest to speed up your whiplash injury recovery. Remember that staying in only one position could lead to more muscle aches and pains. Try to limit your movement but still switch positions to keep you comfortable.
Proper Support
In most cases of whiplash, your doctor will insist that you wear some sort of neck brace for the first 48 to 72 hours of your recovery. When it comes to neck injuries like whiplash, it’s essential to keep the area immobilized for the first few days to allow for proper healing and less strain. Follow your doctor’s instructions if they request that you wear a support brace for your injury.
Chiropractic Care
In many cases, you will be recommended to a physical therapist or a chiropractor after an injury. Chiropractic care can help ensure that your whiplash injury is healing correctly and that your neck and spine are in proper alignment. If you are experiencing ongoing pain, your chiropractor can help you with adjustments and relieve your pain.
Hot or Cold Therapy
The most common cause of pain due to injury is inflammation and swelling. When you get whiplash, the muscles in your neck will become inflamed and sore. It can take days or even weeks to regain full movement in your neck. Using cold/hot therapy can help reduce inflammation. You can alternatively use hot and cold packs every three hours for 15 minutes.
Dealing with a whiplash injury can be challenging. It is crucial to seek out treatment and follow the instructions of your doctor and therapists. If you are suffering from whiplash, try these tips to help you heal faster.