Whiplash is a neck injury caused by a rapid back and forth movement often a result of a motor vehicle accident, sports or trauma. Some symptoms can include neck pain, stiffness, loss of range of motion, dizziness, fatigue, numbness and tingling in the arms, fatigue, jaw pain and headaches. The pain can be instant or progressive over the course of a weeks or even months. Although most people recover within a few months, some incidents may result in chronic pain. Getting care early may help prevent chronic, future pain.
Did you that if you are in a motor vehicle accident under Manitoba Public Insurance, you may be entitled to chiropractic, athletic therapy, physiotherapy and acupuncture treatments? If warranted, occupational therapy may also be covered. At Lifemark Nature Park Way, we have therapists of all disciplines who can help you not only feel better, but function better and get back to life more efficiently and effectively than without treatment. If you have a therapy you prefer, we can help you get started. If you are unsure which therapy you would best benefit from, we will help you find the right fit. Our therapists work together to ensure you get the best care you need.
In addition to seeking treatment, there are some things you can do at home that may help. Resting for a few days may be helpful followed by pain free, general range of motion. Ice or heat may also be helpful. Ice can help to reduce pain and decrease swelling. After a week or so, heat may help warm up the area of injury allowing for increased blood flow. Drinking enough water and eating real, whole foods will ensure your overall inflammation can decrease and your body can get the nutrients it needs to heal. Omega 3 fatty acids are naturally anti-inflammatory.
Having an expert examine you can help get to the core of the problem. A few years ago I rear ended another vehicle. We checked both of our cars and we couldn't see any damage. We swapped information and went on our way. Two weeks later my right headlight stopped working. I assumed it was a burned out bulb so I asked my boyfriend to replace it. He noticed there was a bit of cracking along the headlight case and the new bulb didn't fix the problem. I brought it in only to find there was well over $1000 worth of damage and the front panel needed to be replaced and the driving axle was bent. I had been driving around for weeks and my car slowly started to get worse. I had no idea the extent of the damage until I had a mechanic look at it.
If you have been in a motor vehicle accident or have suffered from whiplash, don’t hesitate to seek treatment. Similarly to our vehicles, what we see on the outside isn’t always indicative of the damage on the inside. Often, it’s easier to get well when we catch symptoms or injuries early rather than waiting until they become chronic.