Recovery from Whiplash
Whiplash Recovery
Recovery from whiplash can be a long and tedious journey. Knowing what the right care is and where to get it can help make this journey as comfortable as possible. Here are a few things you should know about the recovery process:
Physical Therapy
During recovery from whiplash, you need to keep your neck strong and stable to recover quickly and without further injury. A physical therapist will guide you through exercises to improve mobility, strengthen the muscles, and prevent stiffness. This can include massages or other hands-on techniques to ease pain and improve flexibility. Learning or re-learning proper posture to prevent further strain on the neck and upper back can be part of recovery as well.
Chiropractic Therapy
If you suffer from whiplash, a chiropractor can help you in several ways. Whiplash often causes misalignment of the cervical spine, which is where your neck is located. Chiropractors use spinal adjustments to realign the vertebrae, which can reduce pain, improve mobility, and promote healing. Further treatment can help restore normal movement to stiff or restricted joints in the neck and upper back that might result from a whiplash injury as well. To learn more about how a chiropractor can help you specifically, check here.
Do I need medication?
While exercise and chiropractic adjustment can handle some pain and other issues, you may need medication to recover effectively. Chiropractors cannot prescribe you medications but can suggest strategies to manage pain, such as lifestyle adjustments or alternative treatments like acupuncture or nutritional counseling. This depends on the chiropractor’s specialization. To know if medication is right for you, consult your doctor.
At Home Help
During your recovery from whiplash, you can do some things at home to help alleviate pain and stiffness. Your chiropractor can give you specific exercises to do on your own time for mobility, as well as staying relaxed to avoid strain. You can also use over-the-counter pain relief, or hot/cold compresses for muscle pain. Your chiropractor may recommend a brace for posture, which can help recovery as well. Consult your chiropractor for specific treatment options, as these vary from case to case. To see what treatment options you have, check here.
How long does this take?
When injured, the speed of recovery varies. Depending on the severity, recovery from whiplash may require more than just chiropractic care or physical therapy. While chiropractors can assist in care, a thorough examination may be needed to assess how long recovery will take. As pain decreases, it’s important to gradually return to normal activities. Avoid high-impact sports or heavy lifting until fully healed. If work or daily activities involve extended time at a desk, adjusting your posture and workstation can help prevent future strain. Professional consultation will be the best way to know the specifics of your condition and how to recover fully.
Contact Us
It can take a lot of work to recover from whiplash. Getting proper care and attention is key in the recovery process. While there are many forms of treatment out there, talking to a professional will help you know which option suits your condition best. To find out more about this process and to set up an appointment, you can contact us here.
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Seasons Chiropractic and auto accident specialists are especially skilled at assisting patients with car accident injuries like: Concussions, Whiplash, Neck Pain, and Back Pain
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