If you have recently suffered neck pain due to a car crash, it is quite likely that you have a case of whiplash. Whiplash is a painful neck condition that occurs when it is dangerously thrust around after a collision. If you have any major neck pain, it is important to seek care from your physician. However, you will notice that there will be residual pain for many days as the injury begins to heal. In the meantime, there are some things you can do to help alleviate the pain.
Chiropractic Care
After you have seen your physician about your injury, you can follow up with a chiropractor to help move your treatment along. A chiropractor specializes in soft tissue damage and has many treatments that can help alleviate some of your pain. They can make spinal adjustments to help with the pain, but they also offer other treatments that can be helpful. This can include electronic therapy and massage.
Whole Head Support
After a neck injury, it is crucial that your head remain fully supported as often as possible. This will help take the weight of your head off of the neck and alleviate some pressure. You will also be able to hold your head up properly, allowing a more speedy recovery. You can use several mechanisms to support your head. You can ask your doctor or chiropractor for a cervical collar to support your neck. You can also use a towel wrapped around your neck while you are propped up in bed.
Journal Any Changes
Another thing you can do to speed along your recovery is to journal the process. In a small notebook, take a few notes each day regarding your condition, including your symptoms and if they are changing. This will help your chiropractor and doctor know how well you are healing. Each day, write down how you are feeling, what hurts and what does not, and how much you can twist your head. Be sure to note each time you make improvements in your neck rotation. If you notice that your pain begins to intensify, you will need to notate it, but you will also need to seek immediate care to avoid major damage.
Whiplash is a very serious and painful injury with a long healing process. Also keep in mind that there can be long-term effects from the injury for years to come. It is important that you develop a relationship with a chiropractor and have regular adjustments to keep residual pain at bay.
