Four Things You Should Know About Treatment For Whiplash From A Car Accident

If you have been in a car accident and are experiencing pain in your neck, it may be due to whiplash. Before attempting treatment, you should first seek a diagnosis from a medical doctor. This is because often the pain in your neck may indicate a sprain, and it may not be whiplash at all. If you do have whiplash, there are important elements of treatment you should be aware of.

You should avoid addictive pain medications

The reason for this is that the pain you experience now will eventually go away. Whiplash will usually heal on its own, so you want to only use pain medication that can be easily stopped once your neck is healed. This means focusing on the pain medications that are available over-the-counter. There are certain non-addictive, prescription pain killers that may slightly stronger or available as a time-released medication that can last a whole day after you take them. You should also consider topical analgesic creams. These can be especially helpful when you try to sleep at night.

A neck collar can help relieve pain

This can help to reduce pain simply by keeping your neck straight. Much of the pain you will experience will be because of neck movement. Keeping your neck straight can go a long way to relieving pain. For more severe cases of whiplash, you may consider a neck brace, but this is something you need to speak to your doctor about.

Massage treatment can relieve pain

Everyone knows a massage can feel good, but in the case of whiplash, it can also relieve pain. This type of massage is best done by an individual with a background in physical therapy. In the hands of someone who understands the physical aspect of your neck, a massage will not only relieve pain but speed the process of healing.

Chiropractic medicine can reduce pain

Chiropractors have a reputation for helping those with neck and back pain. If you have never been to one before, there is no reason to be apprehensive. They will have an x-ray taken, so they know exactly what is needed. Usually, they will perform a hands-on technique of pressure on key points of the neck. They also may perform an adjustment with a quick movement of the neck. The result is less pressure on certain areas of your neck. This relieves pain and soreness. It can also help with headaches that are from whiplash and speed the healing process.

The treatments listed above can be discussed with your doctor. A recommendation for a massage therapist should come from your doctor. Your physician may recommend a chiropractor. Most insurance plans will cover chiropractic treatment for auto accident injuries.

Speak with your doctor for more information about auto accident treatment.