The sudden back and forth movement of the head and neck resulting from a motor vehicle accident or another traumatic event can cause immediate and long-lasting pain, soreness, and stiffness. You may also experience headaches, difficulty sleeping, mobility issues, even blurriness of vision. Symptoms like these may not appear right away, but when they do, can last for days, weeks, or months.
If you are involved in a motor vehicle accident, be sure to see your doctor even if you aren’t experiencing immediate pain. A medical doctor will be able to diagnose any underlying issues and provide options for treatment, such as:
- Physical therapy
- Medication (non-opioid)
- Chiropractic
- Massage
- Daily stretching routine
Chiropractic care is a great treatment for whiplash-related symptoms because it focuses on the musculoskeletal and soft-tissue systems; those most heavily impacted by whiplash. At your initial chiropractic appointment, Dr. Kennedy will evaluate your spine, identify potential issues, and use a number of different techniques for realignment and pain relief. Chiropractic techniques may include spinal manipulation/adjustment, massage, stretching, and other therapies.
If you live in or near Milwaukee and have whiplash-related symptoms, Kennedy Chiropractic can help you feel better fast.
How to alleviate symptoms of whiplash
If you’re experiencing symptoms of whiplash, your first step is to contact your doctor. Then, make an appointment with a chiropractor for further treatment. After doing these two crucial things, here are some options for treating symptoms of whiplash on your own:
- Move! The best way to keep your body mobile is to, well, move it. While being careful not to overdo it, take every opportunity you can to get up and move around. Walking – even to a coworkers desk – and light stretching are two great ways to keep your body mobile. Be sure to listen to your body and not push too far.
- Visit a physical therapist. A physical therapist is another medical professional equipped to help you feel better after a whiplash-related incident. PT’s can recommend stretches and exercises you can do at home to slowly and gently strengthen your muscles.
- Watch your posture. Whiplash injury can have symptoms above and beyond bodily pain. The pain your body is experiencing may cause it to compensate by decreasing your overall mobility and causing you to slump. Be sure to regularly check in with yourself to ensure you are keeping your spine as straight as possible with your chin parallel to the ground and shoulders squared over the hips. If this posture hurts, that’s an even stronger sign that you should visit your chiropractor for treatments that can relieve pain and increase your mobility to help you get back to normal.
If your whiplash symptoms have lasted for more than three months, you may be experiencing chronic whiplash. Talk to your doctor, who can collaborate with other medical professionals like a chiropractor and physical therapist on a combined strategy to relieve pain and get you moving normally again.
Are you looking for whiplash treatment in the Milwaukee area? For questions or to schedule an appointment, call Kennedy Chiropractic today.
