How To Treat Whiplash

Treatment for individuals with whiplash may include pain medications, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antidepressants, muscle relaxants, and a cervical collar (usually worn for 2 to 3 weeks). Home care is intended to relieve the pain and minimize the amount of inflammation in the soft tissues of the neck. Here are some exercises to relieve pain and stiffness in the neck.

First of all stand against a door or a wall with your head facing forward and move your eyes so you look towards the two, four, eight, and 10 o’clock positions. Do this a few times. Next, take a step forward and perform the following movements. Bend the back of the head carefully forward as if taking a bow. Return to the starting position with your head straight and facing forward. Draw the chin in towards your neck and bend the head carefully forward. Return to the starting position. Bend the head backwards far enough to look at the ceiling. Return to the starting position. Tilt the head sideways, so the right ear is near the right shoulder. If possible try to maintain the glance at a fixed point at eye level. Return to the starting position. Repeat this action with the head tilted to the other side. Turn the head as if trying to look backwards over the shoulder, first to the left and then to the right. Imagine following a horizontal line on the wall at eye level.

Medical Treatment

The doctor most likely will recommend a treatment plan including a mixture of the following: Neck massage Neck rest Bed rest Ice therapy Heat therapy Oral pain relievers and muscle relaxers Immobilization of the neck with a soft cervical collar (only a minimal benefit if any at all) Early range of motion exercises combined with heat therapy starting 72 hours after the injury to restore flexibility Avoidance of excessive neck strain for the next week and then increased activity as tolerated in the following weeks

A physiotherapist will be able to give you advice on neck exercises you can do to help relieve the pain and stiffness in your neck.

Osteopathy -Osteopathy uses manipulation to treat conditions caused by problems with the nerves, joints and muscles, such as back and neck problems and sports or work injuries.

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