Whiplash Symptoms & Treating Them Naturally

The neck is a powerful area of the body that provides numerous important movements with an impressive range of motion. Most of us rely on a functioning neck for everything from getting dressed to driving the car to working out. Even when we’re inactive, the cervical spine and the neck’s soft tissues work to hold the head.

When the head is violently and suddenly rocked forward and back, whiplash may result, making both your physical activities and passive behavior difficult and painful.

Common causes of whiplash include:

A rear-ended auto accident
A blow to the chin
An aggressive pull of the arms
A slip-and-fall accident
A collision, hit, or fall during full-contact sports or boxing

Typically, whiplash occurs after an accident, not over time, making the injury something that can affect anyone at any age and with any lifestyle.

If you’ve recently been in a sudden accident and are experiencing neck pain, whiplash may be the reason. This post will tell you all you need to know about whiplash symptoms and how to relieve them with chiropractic care and other natural methods.

Common Symptoms of Whiplash

Whiplash symptoms come in many forms, ranging from dull to intense. Sometimes, the pain will radiate into other areas, and sometimes, it remains in one targeted area. The one thing all whiplash patients have in common is that they want the pain to stop as quickly as possible.

The cervical spine is the area of the spine housed in the neck. It’s surrounded by many soft tissues, including muscles and nerves. Because the systems within the body have valuable relationships with each other, when one area becomes imbalanced, other areas can be affected due to compensation.

Working with a whiplash chiropractor soon after your accident can ensure that this compensation is quickly remedied, helping to avoid further pain and dysfunction.

Common whiplash symptoms and dysfunctions include:

Neck pain and stiffness
Radiating pain from the neck into the shoulder and back
Shoulder pain
Low back pain, mid-back pain, and disc herniation
Inflammation, sprains, and strains
Headaches
Dizziness and blurred vision
Fatigue
Numbness in the arm and hand
Irritability
Mental stress and anxiety

At-home remedies and chiropractic solutions can treat your whiplash symptoms, prompting healing and recovery with safe, holistic methods.

Tips for Natural Whiplash Relief at Home

The most prudent action after an accident and at the first sign of pain is to seek chiropractic care; this can help prevent further pain and the worsening of conditions. However, it's common not to realize the accident's severity until the pain becomes noticeable hours, even days, later.

If you need whiplash relief now, try these chiropractor-approved at-home solutions that nurture the healing process naturally:

Apply ice and heat: For the first 24-48 hours, start with ice packs to reduce inflammation and numb the pain. Apply the ice pack for 15-20 minutes every few hours. After the initial period, switch to heat therapy with a warm compress or heating pad to relax muscles and increase blood flow to the area.
Gentle stretches and exercises: To keep your neck flexible and improve mobility, perform gentle neck stretches and range-of-motion exercises. Slowly turn your head from side to side, tilt it up and down, and lean it towards each shoulder. Be careful not to push through pain; these movements should be gentle and comfortable.
Maintain good posture: Ensure you maintain proper posture throughout the day, especially if you spend long hours sitting or working at a computer. Keep your back straight, shoulders relaxed, and your head aligned with your spine. Using ergonomic chairs and adjusting your workspace can also help reduce strain on your neck.
Stay hydrated and eat anti-inflammatory foods: Drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated, essential for tissue repair and overall health. Incorporate anti-inflammatory foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and fatty fish into your diet. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon and chia seeds, can help reduce inflammation and promote healing.

While these tips can help alleviate discomfort, your next step should be to contact an experienced chiropractor for long-lasting relief and effective treatment of the injured tissues.

Chiropractic Care for Reliable Whiplash Relief in Joplin

Our Joplin chiropractic team provides a variety of chiropractic techniques to help you regain health and strength after a whiplash-causing accident. Your body has endured trauma, and we are here to assist in its healing with safe, noninvasive methods that deliver real, lasting results.

Our comprehensive exam will determine all imbalances within the spine and musculoskeletal system, generating optimal healing, high function, and comfort.

The chiropractic techniques we use to treat whiplash include:

Don't let whiplash pain keep you from the activities you love. We understand your desire to live life to the fullest, and that requires comfort and confidence. Let us help you reach those goals.

Book with us today.