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Millions of Americans experience whiplash each year. It occurs when the head quickly snaps forward and backward again, typically from some type of traumatic event, and it can cause extreme strain in the neck, as well as the surrounding joints and muscles.
Whiplash can vary in severity depending on what caused it and how intense the motion was, and in many cases, it progresses to some type of chronic pain. Additionally, more than half of people who experience whiplash will have pain for years after the initial incident.
While that might not seem very encouraging, there are things you can do to help treat your whiplash. Even if you continue to live with chronic pain or other ailments caused by it, there are ways to manage your pain and live a fulfilling life without being held back because of it.
Let’s look at some of the most common causes of whiplash so you can take precautionary measures as needed, as well as what type of treatment you may need if you experience it.
What Are the Common Causes of Whiplash?
When most people think about whiplash, the first thing that likely comes to mind is a car accident. It’s true that whiplash is one of the most common injuries that occur during a car accident, along with:
- Spinal cord damage
- Concussions
- Damaged vision
- Broken ribs
- Collapsed lungs
Whiplash often occurs in car accidents due to the initial impact, or even the airbag causing your neck to jerk back suddenly.
But, there are many other situations that can cause whiplash, including sports accidents, trauma/abuse, or falling. Falls are quite common when you’re being active, whether that’s exercising or simply taking a casual stroll.
That’s why it’s so important to take precautionary measures when you’re doing anything that could potentially be dangerous. Spending a lot of time outdoors hiking or camping, for example, can make it easy to walk on rough terrain where you might fall. Always travel with others and make sure you have a first aid kit handy when you’re doing something physical.
It’s also important to note that your risk of whiplash increases as your age. So, as you get older, it’s even more necessary to protect yourself and take precautions against falling.
What Type of Treatment is Needed?
No matter how whiplash occurs, most people need some type of medical attention. The extent of the treatment needed will depend heavily on the severity of the injury. As stated above, many cases of whiplash can lead to chronic pain for years. Other complications can be caused by such a traumatic injury as well, including Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. This is a shoulder condition that can damage the nerves of the arm and shoulder and restrict circulation.
Whether your whiplash leads to chronic pain, other ailments, or it just leaves you feeling stiff and sore, the treatment options remain fairly similar. According to the Mayo Clinic, one or more of the following treatments is usually recommended:
- Rest
- Alternating hot and cold
- Muscle relaxants
- Numbing medications
- Physical therapy
- Chiropractic care
Things like massage therapy and acupuncture are also sometimes used to treat the more chronic side of the pain the comes from whiplash. Prescription medications can be prescribed for those who experience extreme constant pain.
Managing the Pain of Whiplash at Home
Depending on the severity of your whiplash, there are things you can do on your own to manage the pain it’s causing. It’s important to talk with your doctor or another medical professional before trying any exercises or stretching routines on your own. But, if you are approved to exercise, a few basic stretches and techniques can help you to manage your pain on your own.
For example, with something as simple as a tennis ball you can experience self-myofascial release by carefully ‘rolling’ it under your neck and shoulders. It only takes a few minutes a day and the exercises you do can make a big difference in how you feel.
You can also get back on your feet by simply staying active and getting enough rest. You know your body’s limits, and even if you don’t, it will likely be quick to warn you if you’re pushing things too far. Your body needs rest in order to properly heal, but getting enough physical activity in your daily routine will also help to keep your neck and shoulder muscles more pliable and less stiff.
Whiplash can create problems and pain for years, depending on the initial impact that caused it. But, that doesn’t mean you have to lower your quality of life. Seek out medical treatment first, and then experiment with different ways you can manage your pain at home using some of these suggestions. In doing so, you’ll find that the pain is manageable, and you don’t have to suffer.
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