Whiplash is an injury that occurs when your head moves forward and back, or back and forward, very quickly and with great momentum. This could happen on a rollercoaster or a sports or roughhousing injury impacting the head. Though, we mostly think of whiplash related to a car accident. Whiplash happens when we are either being rear-ended or hitting another car from behind.
As you can imagine, whiplash is a fairly common injury. That said, a severe case of whiplash is a complicated injury that isn’t easily treated. Symptoms related to whiplash can include neck and back pain and stiffness, dizziness, headaches, and chronic drowsiness. So, what is the best treatment for whiplash?
What Is the Quickest Way to Cure Whiplash?
The good news is when it comes to a mild case of whiplash, little treatment is needed. You may only need some bed rest, over-the-counter pain medication like Advil, or icing of the affected area. If you are suffering from symptoms of a more severe case of whiplash, like persistent pain and numbness, you should see a doctor to get a diagnosis.
In some cases, what a doctor will be able to do for you is prescribe painkillers and/or muscle relaxants to help you as you rest and recover. But is that the best treatment for whiplash?
Is Chiropractic Good for Whiplash?
While it is important to see a doctor if you’re suffering from a severe injury, getting a diagnosis and medication is only the beginning of your recovery. Chiropractic care can be an important part of your aftercare recovery. Injuries to the neck and spine have a long history of being treated through chiropractic care. By realigning your neck and back through spinal manipulation, as well as incorporating massage and exercises, a chiropractor can help get you through your recovery faster and more effectively.
How Long Does Whiplash Take to Heal?
Your chiropractor will be better able to give you that answer after an evaluation. That said, people typically begin to notice the positive impact of chiropractic care after four to six weeks of treatment. With a whiplash injury, depending on the severity, your chiropractor will give you the best answer for how long you can expect to need to go through regular chiropractic visits.
Schedule an Appointment at Total Chiropractic Care & Wellness
Whiplash and other severe injuries from car accidents can greatly impact our lives and make minor day-to-day activities a near impossibility. Chiropractic care from the experts at Total Chiro can help expedite your recovery and get your life back on track. We can work with you on pain management and restoring range of motion in your neck through massage, stretching exercises, spinal adjustments, and more. Contact us online to schedule your appointment today, or give us a call at (631) 447-2299.