How To treat whiplash in Columbia MO?
Have you recently been diagnosed with whiplash in Columbia MO? What do you do know? Between the constant headaches, fatigue, insomnia, and numbness of the hands, whiplash is so much more than just a pain in the neck. Each year, millions of people around the globe experience whiplash-inducing trauma that keeps them from living the life they love. While most cases of whiplash tend to go away on their own, ignoring it isn't an option. Those who refuse to treat neck strain put themselves in danger of experiencing long-lasting symptoms like migraines years after the initial incident. Ready to get your life back on track? Here's everything you need to know about how to treat whiplash and feel better in no time.
Stay Moving in Columbia MO
After experiencing trauma to the neck, moving your neck is likely the last thing on your mind. While that's understandable, keeping your neck moving can speed up recovery. There are many simple and painless range of motion exercises, like the chin tuck. To perform this simple exercise, follow these steps:
- Lay down on a flat surface.
- Prop your shoulders and neck back in a relaxed position.
- Once comfortable, slowly begin moving your chin toward your chest.
- Once your chin reaches your chest, hold it for about seven seconds.
- Now, reverse the motion, bringing your chin up forthright.
- Rest in the beginning position for another seven seconds.
- Repeat the process 10 times.
If possible, it's best to stretch several times per day. The more you move your neck, the easier it is for its elasticity to return. Pay attention to your body throughout the exercise. Slight discomfort isn't anything to worry about, but sharp pain is a sign that you should slow down. Take it easy, and if needed, build up to more reps.
At Home Remedies
Even with the range of motion exercises, you'll likely still experience some discomfort. While neck pain is no fun, you can find many of the best remedies in your own medicine cabinet.
Over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen can ease most pain for several hours at a time. For the best results, combine the medicine with a heating or cooling pad. Both heating and cooling soothe strained muscles and decrease swelling. This is particularly helpful for those who may be experiencing a bulging disk.
Aside from rest and relaxation, those suffering from whiplash will want to reconsider their everyday body posture. Aligning the spine and neck can alleviate pain every bit as well as an OTC painkiller. So make sure to sit up straight, watch for hunched shoulders, and if need be, prop up your neck.
Seek Medical Assistance
Even if you believe your case of whiplash is mild, it's never a bad idea to get a professional's opinion. Schedule an appointment with your local chiropractor. Chiropractors are specially trained in facilitating whiplash recovery and can help realign your neck and spine, allowing for better blood flow and faster healing.
Furthermore, they'll be able to help you determine how severe your whiplash may be. While most cases subside in a matter of days, other patients may experience long-lasting pain such as headaches or blurred vision. Always seek medical assistance as soon as possible. The sooner you reach out, the sooner you'll feel better.
Whiplash can disrupt your daily life, causing so much more than only pain. If you're experiencing neck strain, don't wait. Remember, ignoring your pain will only elongate your symptoms, not erase them.
Follow this guide on how to treat whiplash and fill out a new patient form and give us a call at (573) 607-2727 to take the first step on the road to recovery.
