Whiplash is a term used to describe an injury to the tendons, ligaments, and muscles of the neck and spine as a result of a sudden or violent movement of the head or body. Most of the cases occur in traffic accidents. The most common symptoms are pain and limited movement of the neck, back pain and headache. Other symptoms may include pain, numbness or tingling in the arms, as well as shoulder pain, muscle spasms, dizziness, vision problems, memory loss, and inability to concentrate. Whiplash treatments aim to reduce pain and strengthen the muscles in the back, neck and shoulders to facilitate healing.
Steps
Step 1. Go to the emergency room or your primary care physician as soon as possible when the injury occurs
- Your doctor may give you x-rays, an MRI, or a CT scan to assess the extent of the injuries before suggesting other forms of treatment.
- They may also prescribe pain relieving, anti-inflammatory, or muscle relaxant medications to decrease pain and promote healing.
- In severe cases, he may also use trigger points or give you epidural spinal injections to treat whiplash.
- It can sometimes immobilize your neck with a soft cervical collar, although this is no longer standard practice for all cases of whiplash.
Step 2. Seek chiropractic care for spinal alignment and manipulations
This technique can help you restore normal neck and back movement.
Step 3. Consider a massage therapy for soft tissue rehabilitation
Massage increases circulation in the injured muscles and ligaments and speeds up the healing process.
Step 4. Get examined by a physiotherapist to check what type of stretching and physical activity you can do to increase the strength and range of motion of the neck, back and arms
Stretching and exercises shouldn't cause you pain; otherwise, stop immediately and contact your doctor or physiotherapist.
Step 5. Apply ice to your neck, back, or shoulders for the first few days after injury to help reduce swelling and pain
Ice treatment is most effective if you apply 35 minutes at a time, four times a day.
Step 6. The day after the injury, apply moist heat to restore muscle flexibility
Apply heat the same way you put ice on it, unless directed otherwise by your doctor.
Step 7. Limit work and other daily activities in the first few days after the injury; you will return to normal activities when the pain permits
Step 8. Take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen, to help relieve the pain
Check with your doctor before taking them if you are on other medications.
