Recovering From Whiplash – Get Plenty Of Rest, Use A Cold Compress And More

Recovering From Whiplash. An injury to your neck is not something to take lightly. Depending on the circumstances that brought about the condition, you could be looking at a long and painful recovery. Know what steps to take, and take the matter very seriously.

Pay A Visit To Your Doctor

If your pain is very intense, inhibiting your ability to function with simple daily tasks, call your physician’s office immediately. Frequently, whiplash begins to hurt more severely 12-24 hours after an injury is sustained. You may not realize how seriously you are injured, and this could lead to further complications. Sit straight up in a comfortable chair and turn your head slowly from one side to the other; if this action causes reverberating pain in your neck and through your shoulders, it may be in your best interest to see a doctor right away.

Try Over The Counter Remedies – Recovering From Whiplash 

Since whiplash pain is usually due to muscle or ligament inflammation, an aspirin or ibuprofen should provide you with some relief.  Avoid taking any medication much stronger than acetaminophen, because doing so may conceal the real injury by numbing the area completely.

Use A Cold Compress

Applying a cold-pack to the area should alleviate swelling, which will work to reduce pain. Use the ice for roughly half an hour, every couple of hours, especially during the first day following the injury. Wrap the compress or pack in a thin towel, rather than applying it directly to the skin. Alternate between your neck and shoulders, according to where you feel the most pain.

Try And Maintain Proper Posture

If you are going to be up and about, make sure you hold your head up straight, and keep your shoulders back. Any hunching over will apply greater pressure to the supportive muscles and ligaments in your neck. Don’t lean off to one side, even it provides you with more comfort temporarily. You’re better off lying down than you are risking further aggravation to your whiplash.

Get Plenty Of Rest – Recovering From Whiplash 

Since even the slightest movement can cause additional damage, experts recommend that you rest as much as possible as you recover. Find a comfortable recliner that offers plenty of neck and shoulder support, or prop yourself up with pillows in bed. Rest also includes avoiding stress, to fully empower your body to recuperate.

Purchase A Cervical Collar

An average pharmacy will carry cervical collars, as will the major online retailers. Order one with a rush delivery, or ask someone to pick one up for you at the store. They are available in a variety of sizes and styles; look for dimensions that will fit you properly, keeping your chin lifted slightly and immobilizing the neck completely.

Wear it for as long as you feel pain and discomfort, but be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Some doctors encourage patients to move the neck and shoulders carefully, to prevent stiffness and allow for faster healing. It’s important that your individual circumstances be thoroughly analyzed prior to using a collar.

Consider Moderate Physical Therapy – Recovering From Whiplash 

In the event that you continue to suffer after the normal allotment of healing time, talk to your physician about receiving physical therapy. Particularly if your recovery included immobilization, your shoulders and back may now be in need of specialized movements to get back into shape.

This is best done with professional assistance to avoid further injury or permanent damage. A physical therapist can teach you how to conduct the exercises in your own home, so that you can do more of them as needed at your convenience.

Healing will take time and perhaps considerable effort. Even so, it’s important that you take great care until you are completely recovered.