BACK PAIN CLINIC
Most people know that the term “whiplash” means a rear-end car accident in which the head is thrown to and fro in a “crack-the-whip” motion, resulting in a neck injury. Sports injuries, physical abuse, or other traumas such as a fall can also cause whiplash injuries.
You must also understand how to prevent whiplash injuries, their common symptoms, and treatment options.
If you live in Longview, WA, and are experiencing symptoms of a whiplash injury or need advice on whiplash injury prevention and treatment; Family Chiropractic Care is the place to go.
Below are some of the symptoms of whiplash injury:
Symptoms of Whiplash Injury
You should see medical professionals if you experience pain in your neck or any other symptom related to whiplash after a sports injury, car accident, or other traumatic injuries.
Obtaining an accurate diagnosis earlier is beneficial because you will be able to treat the symptoms before they worsen or rule out the chances of having broken bones.
Neck Stiffness and Pain
If you experience pain near your neck after driving or believe you may have injured your neck while participating in an activity, seek medical attention. It is one of the signs of neck injuries. In Longview, WA, Family Chiropractic Care treats neck pain.
Blurred Vision and Headache
One of the most common symptoms of whiplash injury is blurred vision. Whiplash causes nerve, muscle, and disc damage in the neck, resulting in blurred vision. You may experience a feeling that resembles ringing sounds in your ears, tiredness, and headaches.
So, if you have any of these symptoms after a rear-end collision or any other type of whiplash injury, don’t hesitate to seek professional help.
Dizziness
Another common symptom of whiplash is dizziness. The presence of dizziness soon after sustaining a whiplash injury may predict a worse prognosis than if you did not have any dizziness.
Whiplash Injuries Treatment
Although no single treatment has been proven scientifically effective for whiplash, patients can benefit from some treatment options. Pain relievers such as naproxen or ibuprofen are a few pain relievers used for treatment as well as gentle exercises, physical therapy, traction, massage, heat, ice, injections, and ultrasound are some of options.
Seek professional help to determine the best treatment options for prompt treatment.
Take Painkillers or Other Drugs
Most medical professionals recommend pain relievers. Pain relievers include acetaminophen (Tylenol) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve). These medications, however, may have side effects.
Never use them regularly unless your doctor specifically instructs you to. If you have taken other medications or have any medical problems, consult your doctor before taking them.
Exercise
If you experience a whiplash injury after a vehicle accident, you should try to move your neck normally, but only under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional. You might need to completely rest the neck until the pain allows movement in severe cases.
When pain levels allow, you should gently exercise the neck to keep it from stiffening up. Slowly move the neck in each direction, gradually expanding the range. Family Chiropractic Care focuses on relieving your pain and improving your overall health.
Apply an Ice Pack
Apply an ice pack immediately after the injury to reduce pain and swelling. To prevent skin injury, wrap the ice in a towel or other protective barrier.
Good Body Posture
A qualified healthcare professional will teach you how to maintain a good upright posture if you go to the health center.
A firm pillow can help you maintain good posture while sleeping. Consult a physical therapist for help with posture and pain relief.
Foam Collars
Soft foam “cervical” collars also treat whiplash injuries by keeping the neck and head motionless. Utilizing a collar can help you sleep better at night and reduce pain after an injury.
However, long-term use of form collars is not advisable because they can weaken the muscles in your neck. It is best to go to a doctor and get instructions on how long to wear the collars and use them properly.
Prevention of Whiplash Injury
Ensure Your Car’s Head Rest is Fitted Correctly for You
It is not easy to avoid accidents; however, advancements in automobile safety help reduce their risks. Seat belts and head restraints should be advanced to reduce the risk of whiplash injury.
Proper use of a head restraint or seatbelt is critical to their success in preventing injury. Head restraints prevent the head from moving into hyperextension when struck from behind. For head restraints to function correctly, they must be positioned directly behind your head.
Wear a Seat Belt
It is critical to adjust and wear a seat belt to help prevent whiplash when driving. If there is a collision, the seatbelts will stop tumbling around inside the vehicle.
They are, however, designed to stretch slightly in a crash; this lengthens the time it takes for the body’s momentum to return to zero, reducing the forces acting on it.
Adhering to Safe Driving Practices
Follow all safety driving tips and keep your full attention on the road to avoid whiplash injuries. Ensure there is a safe distance between yourself and the vehicle in front of you. If it comes to a stop unexpectedly for any reason, you won’t have to slam on the brakes, shocking the drivers behind you. Ensure there is enough space for everyone’s safety to avoid neck injuries.
Take Away
Whiplash causes very few long-term complications in most people. However, recovery time may take a few days to several weeks. The above information represents some of the most common symptoms, treatments, and prevention methods for whiplash.
At Family Chiropractic Care in Longview, WA, we take a comprehensive approach to pain management and whiplash injury relief. Our doctor is a licensed chiropractor with 34 years of experience. Dr. Still treats the entire person using advanced techniques and experience to help remove and reduce pain after a whiplash injury. For whiplash injury treatment, contact us today.