Accident-Caused Whiplash Injury?
7 Behaviors to Stop NOW
If you’ve ever been in an auto accident or know someone who has, you’re likely familiar with the severe symptoms of a whiplash injury. These can show up immediately to several days after the crash and include problems like:
· Neck pain and stiffness
· A neck injury in the tissues or muscles
· Reduced range of motion in the neck
· Sudden, sharp pains with neck movement
· Shoulder, upper back, and arm pain, tenderness, or tingling
· Dizziness
· Fatigue
· Headaches usually starting at the base of the skull
Depending on the extent and duration of the whiplash injury, you may also experience systemic symptoms, like:
· Irritability
· Depression
· Sleep disturbances
· Difficulty with focus, concentration, and memory
· Tinnitus
· Blurry vision
What to Know About Treating a Whiplash Injury
An automobile accident isn’t the only way to get a whiplash injury. Other causes include physical abuse or assault and contact sports, like football and even a rollercoaster ride.
We generally see whiplash symptoms within the first few hours of an accident, but they could also take weeks to manifest. Talk to a chiropractor after any event that forces your neck to extend and flex unnaturally. It’s the best way to avoid long-term chronic pain issues resulting from an untreated or poorly treated whiplash injury.
What the Science Says About Whiplash Treatments
In 2002, research published in the Emergency Medicine Journal reported several additions to whiplash treatment that have proven helpful in preventing long-term pain, including:
· Education
· Reassurance
· More judicious use of therapy
· Exercises
The researchers also provided several practical tips for achieving a better outcome in whiplash and accident recovery. Chiropractors know what works and what doesn’t for neck pain; several behaviors won’t work, too.
Behaviors to Stop RIGHT NOW if You have Whiplash-Related Pain
Stop forcing movement
If moving your neck or head causes significant pain, stop trying to push it so much and seek immediate attention. A neck brace can help you immobilize the neck while you and your chiropractor work towards a physical healing plan.
Stop avoiding the doctor or missing visits
The patient-doctor relationship is a two-way street. Make and keep appointments on a regular schedule. Write down questions before you go and be a productive participant in your health care. If you need support or a new chiropractic provider who will listen to understand, my husband and I can help at Slovin Chiropractic Center.
Stop downplaying symptoms
If anything, exaggerate a little to help your doctor understand your pain. Don’t downplay. Tell us even if you’re experiencing seemingly unrelated symptoms like:
· Dizzy spells
· Imbalance
· Blurry vision
· Anxiety or depression (new or exacerbated)
Keep an open line of communication with your doctor so you can address issues in a positive, productive way.
Stop pessimistic thoughts
Focusing on the pain makes it more intense. It’s easy to become overwhelmed with symptom amplification, given all the attention to the pain in a whiplash injury case. Judges, jurors, lawyers, and doctors will have you talk about these problems a lot. Support your mental health by looking for the positives and celebrating minor victories. Work with a chiropractor who will mark them with you.
Stop doing home programs without chiropractic support
Google and YouTube are magic, but they’re not personalized medicine. You could hurt yourself by performing exercises or taking unknown supplements during recovery. Well-meaning people often give bad advice for back and neck pain on the internet. Instead, talk to a whiplash specialist, like us before starting an exercise routine. Otherwise, you risk making it worse.
Stop slouching
Bad posture can make the pain much worse and lengthen your time in recovery. It’s tempting to try to move or position your body in a way that relieves pain, but if it’s not mechanically sound, you may end up making it worse.
Stop sitting so much
Sitting is the new smoking and just as unhealthy. Stand up and switch positions frequently to improve circulation. Movement gives your healing hormones and cells an unobstructed path to and from pain areas.
There’s a lot to love in Norwalk—plenty of activities to enjoy. We understand the urgency of recovering from whiplash to get back to doing what you love. Whether it’s jogging on the beach, shredding pow, pushing your endurance, or some other activity, our power team at Slovin Chiropractic Center can help you find your way back to it.
Sources:
Emergency Medicine Journal: Prevention of chronic pain after whiplash