Whiplash & neck pain

Whiplash related injury can be frustrating and debilitating and can affect things we enjoy along with our daily lives. Whiplash is common – with 3 million new whiplash cases occurring every year, and about 50% of those cases turn into a chronic (long term) condition. So, what can we do if we are experiencing whiplash?

1.       Rest & ice

The first thing that you will want to do is rest and ice your neck (only AFTER you have been cleared by the hospital if the accident was severe). The reason for this is because the soft tissue elements of the spine will be undergoing higher levels of inflammation – this inflammation will not only cause pain but will also restrict movement. While it is tempting straight away to try and move your neck – try not to. Movement too early can aggravate the area, so rest at this point is paramount. Ice is effective against inflammation, so will help to ease the pain.

2.       Find your local chiropractor

We can look after injuries both new and old, and with whiplash it is best to sort it sooner rather than later. As said above, about 50% of cases turn chronic, and whiplash cases can also be complicated by underlying conditions such as arthritis. Gentle adjustments, mobilisation, soft tissue work, and dry needling, can all help to ease the pain and prevent it becoming a chronic problem.

Here at WWC one of our chiropractors will start with a consultation to find out more about the incident, may or may not refer for x rays, and then complete a detailed orthopaedic and neurological examination of your nerves, muscles and joints. We then form your treatment and exercise plan and go through this with you in the following session.

3.       Gradually become mobile

As the initial inflammation starts to reduce, increase your movement – it’s bad advice now to stay in a neck brace and not move, those muscles will just get shorter and you’ll have further decreased mobility! Keep the movement gentle, but make sure to just keep mobile.

4.       Keep good posture

Now more than ever – make sure to keep good posture! Sitting up straight and making sure your work space is as accessible as possible will help the healing process massively. Your chiropractor should also give you some exercises to assist with this.

5.       Stay patient

Healing takes time, stay patient, keep icing, and most importantly – look after yourself!