Caused because of a sudden jerk of your neck and tendons, whiplash is a common injury that usually occurs from a car accident.
The increased force causes your neck to move forward or backward and delivers a severe amount of strain on your muscles, leading to torn muscles, in some cases.
This is why it is important that you take proper medical measures to ensure that your whiplash injury doesn’t carry any long-term side effects.
Treatment for Whiplash Injuries
Whiplash injuries heal after a certain time of rest and recovery. Here are some tips you can use to speed up that recovery process.
Ice the Affected Area
If any swelling occurs in the affected area, immediately place some ice in a towel over the area so, that the stark coldness doesn’t irritate the skin. Keep doing so to reduce any swelling for the next 2-3 days, for thirty minutes, every three to four hours—or until you feel the swelling go down.
Apply moist heat
Next, use a warm moistened towel or take a warm bath to relax and loosen the blood vessels in the area so that muscle flexibility is restored. But only do so after you’ve iced your injury enough to subside the swelling completely.
Wear a Neck Brace or Collar
Don’t skip this step.
Although you may not feel the requirement of a neck collar or brace, it is still important that you wear one in case your neck muscles are weak. However, be sure to wear it for only a few days, since prolonged use of neck braces can end up making you more susceptible to injury.
Take Painkillers to Reduce your Neck Pain
But don’t self-medicate. Non-inflammatory drugs can help reduce your pain and swelling. But it is always best to follow your doctor’s advice if you need prescription painkillers or muscle relaxants. Don’t self-medicate until you’re sure of the effects of the medicine and pain management.
Visit a Chiropractor
Car accident injury such as whiplash heals faster with chiropractic treatment.
Chiropractors possess comprehensive knowledge of whiplash treatment and are usually the best source for care, especially if your pain persists or is severe. Should your pain remain for a longer time, consult with your chiropractor as soon as possible, so you can determine your next step.
It is possible that some other complication may have risen that could be preventing your medical treatment from showing effect.
Find the Right Chiropractor in Portland
Whiplash is not a condition you should ignore.
If you have a whiplash injury, contact Cascade Spine and Injury Center straightaway so you can receive acute treatment.
As one of the leading chiropractic care centers in Portland, Cascade offers state-of-the-art facility and experts for your comfort.
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