What Do I Do About Whiplash?
I recently had a football player come into the clinic after suffering a whiplash injury during practice.
Whiplash is one of those injuries that should be addressed as quickly as possible. In many cases, the sooner you begin the appropriate treatment, the smoother the recovery tends to be.
Whiplash can happen for a variety of reasons, including sports injuries, motor vehicle accidents, or even a fall down the stairs.
So what should you do if it happens?
1. Manage the Initial Pain
During the first 24 to 48 hours, many people find that ice helps reduce pain and discomfort. Applying ice for 15 to 20 minutes at a time several times throughout the day can be helpful during this early stage.
After the first day or two, many people find heat to be more comfortable. Whether it is a heating pad, a warm shower, or another source of gentle heat, increasing blood flow to the area can help relax the surrounding muscles and make movement more comfortable.
2. Get Evaluated by a Medical Professional
This could be a physical therapist, athletic trainer, chiropractor, orthopedic physician, or another medical professional who is trained to evaluate neck injuries. A thorough evaluation helps rule out more serious issues and gives you a clear plan for recovery.
3. Start Moving as Soon as It Is Appropriate
For more significant injuries, I typically begin with simple exercises such as chin tucks, gentle head rotations, and controlled neck movements. The sooner the neck begins moving appropriately, the less likely it is to become stiff and painful over the long term.
If you or someone you know has recently experienced whiplash, we would be happy to help guide you through the recovery process.
— Dr. Caleb
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