The best treatment for whiplash is still being debated. Some claim that the symptoms of female chiropractors Houston, Tx, can be effectively treated the symptoms of female chiropractors Houston, tx, with rest, ice, and over-the-counter painkillers. On the other hand, some people think more intensive therapies, such as physical therapy or chiropractic adjustments, are required. The optimal course of treatment will differ depending on the patient because there is no universal solution. It’s crucial to speak with a doctor if you have whiplash to decide the best course of action for you.

 

Treatment

 

The objectives of whiplash therapy are to:

 

  • Minimize discomfort
  • Regain your neck’s natural range of motion.
  • Return to your regular activities

 

Depending on your whiplash injury severity, your chiropractor will determine a treatment plan. Some people require at-home care and over-the-counter medication. Others could require physical therapy, expert pain management, or prescription medication.

 

Pain management

 

Your doctor may recommend one or more of the following treatments to lessen the pain:

 

  • Rest. After an injury, resting may be beneficial for a day or two, but staying in bed too long might hinder recovery.
  • Cold or heat. You could feel better if you apply heat or cold to your neck for 15 minutes every three hours.
  • Nonprescription painkillers. Acetaminophen (Tylenol, among others) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, among others) are over-the-counter medications that frequently cure mild to moderate whiplash pain.
  • Prescription Medicines. Some antidepressant medications that have been found to reduce nerve pain may be used in patients with more acute pain.
  • Muscle relaxants. Doctors may advise using these medications for a brief period to relax tense muscles and relieve pain. Additionally, the medicine may induce sleep. If discomfort keeps you from having a good night’s sleep, it may be utilized to assist you in resuming normal sleep.
  • Injections. To relieve pain of physical therapy, a numbing medication called lidocaine (Xylocaine) may be injected into sore muscle areas.

 

Exercise

 

You’ll most likely be given a list of stretching and movement exercises to perform at home by a female chiropractor in Houston, Texas. With these exercises, you can regain neck range of motion and resume your regular activities. Before exercising, it may be advised to take a warm shower or to apply moist heat to the hurting area.

 

Exercises may include:

 

  • Rotating your neck in both directions
  • Tilting your head side to side
  • You are bending your neck toward your chest.
  • Rolling your shoulders

 

Physical therapy

 

Suppose you have ongoing whiplash discomfort or require assistance with range-of-motion exercises. In that case, your doctor could recommend you seek treatment from a male or female chiropractor in Houston, Texas. Physical therapy can aid in your recovery and even stop further injuries. Your chiro will lead you through exercises to rehabilitate your range of motion, strengthen your muscles, and align your spine.

 

In some circumstances, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) may be used. TENS uses a small amount of electric current to stimulate the skin. Despite insufficient data, this technique may strengthen muscles while momentarily reducing neck pain.

 

Padded collars

 

In the past, whiplash injuries were frequently treated using soft foam cervical collars that kept the head and neck immobile. Studies have however indicated that keeping the neck immobile for an extended period of time might reduce muscle strength and hinder healing.

 

Imaging exams

 

Imaging tests cannot detect a whiplash injury. However, to rule out any other conditions that might be causing your neck pain to worsen, your doctor will probably need one or more imaging tests. Imaging tests consist of:

 

  • X-rays. X-rays of the neck collected from different perspectives can be used to detect fractures, dislocations, or arthritis.
  • Computer-aided imaging (CT). This particular kind of X-ray can create images of the bone in cross-section and reveal potential bone deterioration.
  • imaging with magnetic resonance (MRI). This imaging technique creates precise 3D images using radio waves and a magnetic field. MRI scans can find some soft tissue injuries, such as damage to the ligaments, disks, or spinal cord, and bone injuries.

 

Alternative medicine

 

Whiplash pain has been treated with non-traditional methods:

 

  • Acupuncture. Perform acupuncture, and thin needles are inserted into particular points on your skin. It may offer some relief from neck aches.
  • Chiropractic care. Chiropractors use techniques for manipulating joints. Some evidence suggests that chiropractic care, when combined with physical activity or physical therapy, may reduce pain. Working the spine may produce minor complications, such as numbness or dizziness, and rarely injury to spinal tissues.
  • Massage. A Neck massage may offer temporary relief from whiplash-related neck pain.
  • Mental-physical therapy. Tai chi, qi gong, and yoga are exercises that involve gentle movements with an emphasis on breathing and awareness.

 

The prognosis for Whiplash Patients

 

Most whiplash patients recover in 3 months or less. Whiplash-related symptoms and diseases, however, might sometimes persist for a long time.

 

The following risk factors could suggest a prolonged recovery period from a whiplash injury:

 

  • Painful at the moment of the injury. If a person feels excruciating pain right away after being hit, there has been more serious damage.
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder. This syndrome may cause you to continually remember or forget the event, avoid activities like driving or traveling close to the accident scene, become more easily frightened or anxious, experience sadness, or have difficulties falling asleep.
  • Older age. Older people tend to have more degeneration and pre-existing conditions in the spine, making their susceptibility to whiplash injury.
  • Women’s sex. Women may be more prone to whiplash injuries since they typically have smaller neck structures and muscles.

 

Anything a person can do to live a healthy lifestyle and the treatments above will typically be helpful for neck discomfort. So what are you waiting for? Visit Peak Potential Family Chiropractic in Houston Heights for more information about whiplash therapy or get in touch with us.