Whiplash in Richmond, VA
Experiencing
whiplash is one of the most common consequences of being in a car
accident. Your head and neck can be violently whipped back, forward,
or sideways. This sudden action causes strained muscles, tendons,
ligaments, and nerves. One of the best things you can do is to visit
your chiropractor.
Dr. Aaron Winston at Winston Chiropractic Care in Richmond, VA, can help if you are suffering from whiplash.
The most common cause of whiplash is vehicular accidents, but you may also experience whiplash from a sports accident or trauma involving your neck and head.
In some cases of whiplash, a few simple tips might help. You can try:
- Placing heat or ice on your neck for 15 minutes, several times each day, to relax muscles and reduce swelling
- Resting and taking it easy for the first 24 hours after your accident, to help you heal faster
- Taking over-the-counter pain and anti-inflammatory medications, to reduce pain and swelling
According to the Mayo Clinic, these are some additional gentle movements that might help:
- Head tilts from side to side
- Shoulder rolls
- Neck rotations in both directions
- Bending your neck to your chest
For moderate to severe whiplash symptoms, your chiropractor can help you feel better quickly, so you can get back to your active life. These are just a few of the treatments and therapies your chiropractor may recommend:
- Stabilization, which involves wearing a cervical collar around your neck to provide support for your head and neck while your tissues heal
- Manipulation, which involves gentle pressure applied to your muscles and joints, relieving tension, swelling, and pain
- Electrical Stimulation, which involves the application of mild electrical impulses to your muscles, reducing stiffness, and pain