Whiplash is a common injury that people may suffer after a car accident. It occurs due to the neck jerking forward or backward after an impact. It can occur due to reasons other than an accident like a punch, contact sports injury, etc. Symptoms include neck pain, stiffness, headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, and constant wariness. You should consult a Car Accident Chiropractor in Denver to get it treated. OTC medicines, exercises, and ice treatment can also help.
Rest
Taking rest can be helpful in your body’s recovery process. It’s important to get the full recommended sleep. But too much bed rest can impede the recovery process and make your body weaker. That’s why your doctor may recommend resting for a day or two before returning to normal activities.
Chiropractic Treatment
Chiropractic care can help you find relief from pain, treat the injury, improve mobility and prevent further injury. It’s advisable to Find a Chiropractor in Denver after an accident even if you feel fine.
In many cases, the whiplash isn’t apparent immediately after the accident. The adrenaline rush numbs the pain but after it fades, you may notice the symptoms like pain and lack of mobility. Getting a chiropractor’s diagnosis can help you get timely treatment and prevent further injuries.
The chiropractor may perform physical manipulation to relieve the affected area. You may need multiple sessions depending on how severe the issue is. They suggest different exercises to help with recovery. They may also use transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TENS) to relieve the pain.
Physical Therapy
Your doctor may recommend a physical therapist for ongoing pain and limited range of motion. They may guide you through exercises to strengthen muscles, restore the range of motion and improve posture. TENS may be used for pain relief. The number of sessions you need differs from person to person.
They may also prepare a personalized exercise routine that you can perform at home for recovery.
Pain Medication
Doctors may prescribe antidepressant drugs for severe neck pain. Otherwise, OTC medications like acetaminophen and ibuprofen are used for mild to moderate pain. Muscle relaxants may also be recommended for short-term use to loosen tight muscles and soothe the pain. They also make you feel sleepy, which can be helpful if the pain makes it hard to sleep.
An injection of lidocaine (a pain-numbing medicine) may be used to numb the pain. It may be required before a physical therapy session.
Foam Collars
Foam collars were commonly used for whiplashes to hold the neck and head in one place. But studies show that not moving your neck for a long time can decrease muscle strength and impede your recovery. But doctors may still recommend using foam collars. After all, limiting movement can help reduce pain and make it easier to sleep.
Some experts suggest wearing the collar for up to the first 72 hours. Others recommend wearing it for up to three hours every day for a few weeks. Consult your doctor on how long you should wear yours, if at all.
Alternating Cold and Heat Treatment
Icing the neck as soon as your can after the injury can be beneficial. It not only numbs the pain but also reduces the inflammation that occurs within the first 48 hours. Wrap the ice pack with a light cloth to avoid contact with skin to avoid an uncomfortable burn.
After the first 48 hours, you may apply heat treatment to the affected areas. Heat loosens the muscles and promotes blood flow to the injured soft tissues. It soothes pain and warms up muscles. At this point, you can start alternating between heat and cold.
Exercises
Your doctor can recommend certain exercises and stretches to improve your range of motion and return to normal activities. These exercises are light on the neck and spine. They may include rotating the neck both ways, tilting side to side, rolling shoulders, and bending the neck forward. You should warm up the affected area before doing these exercises.
Comments