If you or a loved one recently suffered a car accident, you might be facing whiplash injuries.

This scenario can be disorientating and frustrating. Not only will you have to pay repair and replacement costs, but you’ll also have to deal with emotional and physical trauma.

Not sure what to do next? Keep reading to learn all about whiplash treatment.

Get Enough Rest

When it comes to treating whiplash injuries, getting enough rest is one of the most important steps. Bed rest is one of the most commonly recommended treatments for whiplash, as it helps the body to heal and helps reduce swelling in the area. It is also important to get plenty of sleep at night to help the body recover.

Apply Hot or Cold Compress

Applying either a hot or cold compress on a whiplash injury can help reduce pain and inflammation. If applying heat, a warm compress should be used, such as a heating pad or hot compress, and held on the injury site for 15-20 minutes.

Cold therapy may help reduce pain, too. Cold compresses, such as an ice pack, should be applied for 10-15 minutes repeated as needed, but no more than four times in 24 hours, then use heat. It is important to wait at least 90 minutes before switching from cold to heat.

Take OTC Medications

Treating whiplash injuries with over-the-counter (OTC) medications can be an effective method of relieving symptoms. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and Naproxen can help reduce inflammation, swelling, and pain.

Muscle relaxants, such as Cyclobenzaprine, can also be effective in alleviating the muscle spasms that often accompany whiplash injuries. Acetaminophen may help with pain relief, but it does not reduce inflammation. Using OTC medications can be a more affordable and less invasive alternative.

See a Chiropractor

Chiropractors are well-versed in treating common injuries associated with whiplash, such as:

• neck and back pain
• range of motion issues
• headaches

A chiropractor can provide manual adjustments to gently realign the vertebrae of the spine that have been forced out of place due to the force generated by an impact. Adjustments can also be used to relieve tension in the muscles. These muscles have become tight as a result of the injury.

Consider Pain Injections

Pain injections can provide relief for individuals who suffer from whiplash injuries. These injections are typically administered in the form of Corticosteroid medication or Lidocaine. Both of which are designed to reduce pain and inflammation in the affected area.

Pain injections can be administered via a syringe in the doctor’s office or, in some cases, with an at-home self-injection system. Pain injections have been proven to be effective at reducing the intensity of pain. These body aches are caused by whiplash injuries, and providing relief for weeks or months at a time is needed.

Go for the Best Whiplash Treatment

The best Whiplash treatment is one that’s tailored to your individual needs. Consider seeking out a specialist with experience in treating whiplash so you get the most appropriate treatment. Don’t put off seeking the help you need; call your doctor today and go for the best whiplash treatment available.

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