Whiplash Treatments
Whiplash is usually caused by a fast and sudden movement of the head and neck. It need only last a second for this application of pressure to strain or tear ligaments and tendons. This movement can be sideways, upwards or downwards and still result in injury. While there are many possible causes for whiplash injuries they are usually quite simple to diagnose. Most of the time they will heal themselves and there are plenty of additional resources and techniques that can help to speed up the process. Yet it is important to address whiplash injuries with care as some kinds of physiotherapy and stretching can actually worsen the inflammation.
Coastal Integrative Healthcare – providing services in Edgewater, Palm Coast, Orange City, and Ormond Beach.
Whiplash Symptoms
While neck tissue may feel soft to the touch, our tendons are made of far tougher stuff. Their job is to connect bones with muscles and can usually take a great deal of pressure before becoming damaged. However, as whiplash is generally caused by immediate and unanticipated pressure, they are often caught ‘unawares’ and lacking the tension that would be ready to absorb an expected impact.
Unlike many other back/spine/neck injuries it can take a while – often between 8-12 hours – for the extent of whiplash to become clear. It is not uncommon for someone to suffer an impact that causes this injury to feel absolutely fine for several hours afterward, which is why it is important to take immediate precautions right away. It is also worth noting that whiplash tends to get worse over the following week or so.
Sometimes whiplash can result in other symptoms that are very similar to a concussion. Dizziness, short term memory loss, acute sensitivity throughout the limbs, loss of concentration, confusion and mood changes/irritability are all tell-tale signs that someone may have suffered this injury.
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Our Healthcare Experts Can Help
It is a neck injury that happens when it is bent in a nodding movement violently, for example in a car accident when someone hits you from the back. This injury involves nerves, tendons, disks, and muscles in your neck that need to be monitored to ensure no serious damage was caused. Make an appointment as soon as possible with your doctor.
On average, neck stiffness goes away in a few weeks. When the injury affects only the soft tissue it takes between 6 to 10 weeks to heal. If nerves are damaged it will take longer. Our specialists can help you determine your condition and the best treatment. The earlier you start the easier it is to identify the area to work on. Call us for more information.
Physical Therapy is necessary to build flexibility and strength in the neck muscles. Follow your doctor’s advice on what medication to take to ease the pain. Apply ice to the affected area to avoid inflammation and be aware of your posture to speed the recovery. In case you are told to wear a foam collar, do it even if it is uncomfortable at the beginning. This will prevent you from accidentally hurting your neck again.
The answer is yes because the spine, the neck, and the head are connected through nerves that send messages to the brain when one of them is hurt.
If the pain spreads to your temples, forehead, and around the eyes, it might be a cervicogenic headache. Talk to your doctor to get evaluated.
Locate the painful spot and massage in circles. If you feel a knot push it carefully up and down. You can also try gently stretching your neck and moving it to left and right. Take pain relievers as advised by your doctor. Make sure you do not spend long periods of time in the same posture. If the pain persists for more than three weeks visit a chiropractor or physical therapist.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Our Healthcare Experts Can Help
It is a neck injury that happens when it is bent in a nodding movement violently, for example in a car accident when someone hits you from the back. This injury involves nerves, tendons, disks, and muscles in your neck that need to be monitored to ensure no serious damage was caused. Make an appointment as soon as possible with your doctor.
On average, neck stiffness goes away in a few weeks. When the injury affects only the soft tissue it takes between 6 to 10 weeks to heal. If nerves are damaged it will take longer. Our specialists can help you determine your condition and the best treatment. The earlier you start the easier it is to identify the area to work on. Call us for more information.
Physical Therapy is necessary to build flexibility and strength in the neck muscles. Follow your doctor’s advice on what medication to take to ease the pain. Apply ice to the affected area to avoid inflammation and be aware of your posture to speed the recovery. In case you are told to wear a foam collar, do it even if it is uncomfortable at the beginning. This will prevent you from accidentally hurting your neck again.
The answer is yes because the spine, the neck, and the head are connected through nerves that send messages to the brain when one of them is hurt.
If the pain spreads to your temples, forehead, and around the eyes, it might be a cervicogenic headache. Talk to your doctor to get evaluated.
Locate the painful spot and massage in circles. If you feel a knot push it carefully up and down. You can also try gently stretching your neck and moving it to left and right. Take pain relievers as advised by your doctor. Make sure you do not spend long periods of time in the same posture. If the pain persists for more than three weeks visit a chiropractor or physical therapist.