Top 4 At-Home Whiplash Treatments

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Whiplash is a serious medical condition caused by rapid extension of the neck. If you have this condition, you will have to see a chiropractor, like Contino Chiropractic Center, and get medical treatment. But did you know there are treatments for whiplash you can do at home? At-home whiplash treatment can help speed recovery along with chiropractic treatment. Here are four treatments

1. Use heat

Whiplash responds well to heat treatments. Heat helps ease the muscles in your neck. This relaxation of the muscles eases pain. Buy a heating pad and place it over your neck for fifteen minutes. You can do this as many times as necessary to help relieve your pain. Unlike pain medication, you don't have to worry about maximum doses. Be sure to not let yourself overheat. You can be burned by a heating pad that is set too high or left on the skin too long. Use only the medium or low settings and don't use the pad for longer than twenty minutes.

2. Exercise your neck

It's important to strengthen your neck muscles after a whiplash injury. This can speed recovery and even prevent another injury in the future. Exercise combined with heat therapy and physical therapy can have your neck feeling better in no time. Here are some simple exercises you can do at home, in the office, or on the go:

  • Rotate your neck. Switch sides and rotate in all directions. If you don't have complete range of motion yet, don't force it.
  • Tilt your head from left to right and right to left.
  • Bend your head forward.
  • Shrug and roll your shoulders.

When you're ready, your physical therapist will be able to guide you through exercises with weights. These exercises can help further strengthen your back and shoulders.

3. Develop good posture

Whether you're sitting or standing, focus on your posture. Focus on keeping your head directly above your neck and keep your spine straight. Don't stoop or crouch. Try to keep your chin a little behind your collarbones. If you're ready, yoga and Pilates can help with posture. These exercises stretch your muscles and helps keep your spine and neck straight.

4. Avoid prolonged sitting

You should avoid sitting for longer than one or two hours until your injury heals. Sitting shortens the muscles in your back and neck. Sitting also places more stress on your spine than standing or laying down. Avoid watching television or spending too much time on the computer. Stand or lie down whenever possible. Standing is much better for you, especially because it exercises the muscles. If you must sit, be sure and have good posture. Also, get up every two hours and walk around and stretch for at least five minutes.

Whiplash is a serious injury. But with the correct treatments from your doctor and at home, you can recover from your injury.

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30 March 2015

the benefits of chiropractic care

Do you spend a lot of time in your car or at an office desk? Are you constantly uncomfortable because you feel pain in your neck, hips or back? If so, it may be time for you to visit a chiropractor for an adjustment. I had struggled with back and hip pain for years before I even thought to go to a chiropractor. I had no idea how a chiropractor could actually help me. If you experience any kind of pain, you could benefit greatly from going to a chiropractor for an adjustment. You can learn what I learned about the benefits of chiropractic care by visiting my website.