People living with whiplash often struggle to manage their symptoms at home. Your doctor may suggest over the counter pain relievers or foam collars as possible solutions.
In severe cases, patients may also be given muscle relaxants that prevent spasms and block nerve signals to help ease pain and speed recovery. This will provide much-needed relief and speed recovery.
Whiplash Injury Self-Care
Apply Cold Compresses
Your brain is like a passenger in your skull, and sudden and abrupt movements can cause it to hit against its protective walls and cause it to hit against itself. That is why your neck acts like a shock absorber by compressing, extending or twisting slowly in response to sudden shocks to reduce impact and soften its effects.
Rear-enders or participating in contact sports often cause neck muscles and ligaments to be injured, often as a result of being rear-ended or from playing dangerous contact sports. A physical therapist can assist in creating an at-home routine to increase strength and range of motion in your neck muscles.
If you experience severe pain, numbness or weakness at an injury site, pass out or lose consciousness, difficulty speaking, swallowing or breathing or pass out, these could all be signs of concussion or other serious brain injury and should be addressed as soon as possible by medical providers.
Over-the-counter medication like acetaminophen or NSAIDs may help ease discomfort; muscle relaxants provide additional relief by preventing spasms that worsen pain and delay healing processes; other treatments might include manual manipulation by medical professionals as well as manual manipulation of neck/spine adjustment by medical professionals as well as acupuncture treatments.
Massage the Area
Whiplash is an injury sustained to the neck and spine when they are suddenly jolted by being rear-ended in an automobile accident, often from being rear-ended themselves. The sudden jerking motion known as cervical acceleration/deceleration syndrome strains and damages bones, ligaments and muscle tissue in the head, neck and upper back region.
Injury causes tiny tears in soft tissue. Over time, these tears develop into pockets of scar tissue which adhere to adjacent tissues and lead to stiffness and pain in the injured area. Massage can help break apart these adhesions.
Medical massage can provide your neck with better range of motion, reduce muscle spasms and ease any associated discomfort or pain. Furthermore, it may prevent long-term dysfunctional neurological patterns which lead to degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis or spinal fusion.
Do Gentle Exercises
Whiplash injuries require restful rest for healing to occur quickly; however, excessive immobilization of the neck may actually extend recovery time and slow its progress. Since our bodies were designed for movement and exercise, regular gentle stretching sessions should help speed the recovery of injured tissues more quickly.
X-rays can help identify bone injuries, but don’t reveal soft tissue damage. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans may detect soft tissue injuries; however, physical therapy will still likely be required to provide manual treatments and stretches that will aid healing for injured muscles and ligaments.
While waiting for your therapist, gently stretch your neck using this exercise: Stand upright and slowly turn your head to the right until you feel your neck muscles pull; repeat on left side several times per day and find more great whiplash neck stretches here on NecksLevel Pro website.
Stay Active
If you are recovering from whiplash, try to stay active as much as possible within reason. Prolonged rest won’t help the healing process and may actually hinder recovery.
If your symptoms are severe enough, your doctor may suggest wearing a cervical collar and taking painkillers or muscle relaxants as well as initiating physical therapy treatment in order to promote gentle movement of the injured area of the neck. They might even suggest physical therapy in order to facilitate healing of injuries in this region of your body.
TENS therapy involves sending low levels of electric current through your skin to nerve endings to reduce pain signals sent directly to the brain, often used alongside acupuncture treatments for relieving neck injuries.
Gwendolen Jull’s guide for people suffering from whiplash is an invaluable resource. It includes safe and beneficial exercises as well as information about their condition – you can photocopy and freely distribute this document in order to provide patients with care they require.
How Long Does It Take for Whiplash to Heal
Recovery Time for Whiplash
The recovery time for whiplash can vary significantly from person to person. Here’s what you need to know:
Mild to Moderate Whiplash: According to the State Insurance Regulatory Authority, most individuals with whiplash experience a recovery period of a few days to a few weeks.
The Cleveland Clinic also suggests that lower-grade whiplash injuries typically heal within days or a few weeks, while more severe cases may require several weeks or even months for recovery. In some instances, chronic problems can persist for months or even years.
Average Recovery Time: As reported by Cobb Chiropractic Clinic, the average recovery time for whiplash injuries is around six weeks. However, it’s important to remember that the healing process varies based on the severity of the injury and individual factors.
Long-Term Healing: AICA Orthopedics states that most cases of whiplash are typically fully healed within approximately six months. However, it’s worth noting that up to one-third of patients may experience neck pain for ten months or longer.
What Exercises Can Help With Whiplash Recovery
Engaging in specific exercises can help promote the recovery process for whiplash. Consider incorporating the following exercises into your routine:
- Gentle Activity: Light walking can improve blood flow to healing tissues and aid in recovery.
- Isometrics: These exercises facilitate faster recovery without causing harm to your muscles.
- Stretching and Mobility Exercises: Crucial for rehabilitation, these exercises include chin tucks, side-to-side head rotation, side bending, scapular retraction, and shoulder shrugs.
- Bilateral External Rotation: Stand upright with your arms at 90 degrees, elbows by your sides, and palms facing upwards. Slowly move your arms out to the sides while keeping your elbows close to your body.
Always Consult a Healthcare Professional: Remember to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any exercise program, especially if you have a whiplash injury, to ensure appropriate guidance and support.
When Should You See a Doctor for Whiplash
It’s essential to recognize the signs that indicate a need for medical attention in cases of whiplash. Here are some indicators:
- Immediate Pain: If you experience neck or head pain immediately after an accident, it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly.
- Persistent Symptoms: If your symptoms persist for more than a few days or weeks, it is advisable to see a doctor.
- Numbness or Tingling: If you experience numbness or tingling in your arms or hands, it is important to consult a healthcare professional.
- Loss of Range of Motion: Difficulty moving your neck or experiencing a loss of range of motion warrants medical attention.
- Severe Pain: If you encounter severe pain that does not subside with over-the-counter pain medication, it is recommended to see a doctor.
- Dizziness or Headaches: If you experience dizziness or headaches following a whiplash injury, it is advisable to seek medical attention.
- Memory Problems: If memory problems arise after a whiplash injury, it is important to consult a healthcare professional.
Err on the Side of Caution: When in doubt about seeking medical attention for whiplash, it is always better to err on the side of caution and seek professional medical advice.
