Whiplash is a neck injury that usually results from a car accident. It develops when the neck is forcefully moved back and forth, like a whip. However, you can get whiplash from other activities, too, such as sports.
Fortunately, most cases of whiplash can be addressed using conservative methods, like medication and exercise. Here are some tips to speed up your recovery.
Rest
Just like any other injury, rest can relieve whiplash symptoms. A few days of bed rest can help you recover. However, excessive lack of movement may delay recovery. The structures in your neck can weaken due to prolonged immobilization. Your provider will give you advice on how long you should rest and any movement restrictions to follow.
Use Neck Support
Your provider may advise you to wear a neck foam or brace to relieve pain and promote healing. A brace or a collar could help reduce the pressure on your neck by holding it still.
Most experts say that you shouldn’t wear neck support for more than 72 hours. The duration will depend on several factors, including the severity of your injury. Your provider will give instructions on how long you should wear the brace and when to take it off.
Apply Hot/Cold Packs
Apply a hot or cold compress to reduce muscle swelling and pain. You may do this every 3 hours for 15 minutes. If you’re using ice packs, wrap the ice in a cloth first. Avoid direct application to avoid damage to the skin.
Take Medication
Your provider may recommend medication to relieve painful symptoms. For mild to moderate whiplash pain, you can try over-the-counter medications, like ibuprofen and Tylenol. If you have more severe symptoms, you may require prescription medication. If needed, your provider may prescribe antidepressants to relieve nerve pain. For your safety and health, it’s best to consult with your provider before taking any medications.
Your provider may also prescribe muscle relaxants. These medications force tight muscles to relax to provide pain relief. However, muscle relaxants can induce drowsiness. Your provider may also recommend injection treatments. This ensures targeted delivery of the medicine into the painful muscle areas.
Stay Active
Rest can help in the first few days following your injury, but you will need to be active to complete your recovery. Being inactive for too long can be detrimental. Muscle stiffness and decreased physical strength are typical problems for those who have sustained an injury and remained at rest for a significant time. To combat this, your provider will likely incorporate light exercises or physical therapy into your treatment plan.
Physical therapy aims to improve range of motion and rebuild strength. Here are some of the exercises your provider may recommend:
● Rotating your neck clockwise/counterclockwise
● Tilting your neck to the left and right
● Shoulder rolling
● Bending your head towards and away from your chest
Treatment For Whiplash Wellington, FL
Most cases of mild whiplash can be resolved with over-the-counter medication and home care. However, severe cases may result in chronic pain and other prolonged complications. If you are suffering from whiplash due to an accident or physical trauma, see a provider immediately.
If you would like to seek help for whiplash in Wellington, look no further than the Advanced Medical Clinic. We are a primary care practice committed to delivering personalized healthcare treatment to patients of all ages. Our team crafts appropriate treatment plans for urgent and non-urgent conditions.
Let us know you’re coming! Call us at (561) 434-1935 or fill out our online appointment request form.
