Whiplash is the common problem that occurs due to forceful, sudden, and rapid movement of head back and forth. Most people think it heals itself after a certain period. However, whiplash leads to several complications like neck injury if neglected and left untreated.
Whiplash is also caused due to the sport injuries, horseback riding, cycling collisions, violent jerks, car accidents, physical abuse, or amusement park rides.
Although this injury is a mild condition, it causes long-term discomfort. Are there any other reasons for Whiplash? A few other reasons for this injury include:
- Severe neck strains and pains
- Extensive tear down of neck’s ligaments and tendons
Ensure you opt for a whiplash treatment whether you’re suffering from mild or severe neck injuries. The extreme discomfort for long-term paves a path to other illnesses.
If you want to know more about whiplash and a few best ways to heal it, you’ll love this article. So, let’s dive in.
What Happens If Whiplash Isn’t Treated Soon?
If the whiplash isn’t treated immediately, it results in chronic pains and severe headache even after a few years of the injury. Although experts can diagnose the pain and determine its cause, there is no scientific explanation for this long-term chronic pain.
A few complications of the whiplash injury includes neck pain or stiffness, numbness in arms, legs, & shoulders, issues with bladder & bowels(A rare case), and weak limbs. Sometimes, it also leads to memory issues, lack of sleep, irritability, and dizziness.
Although most of the issues pop up 24 hours to a couple of days of the situation that caused the whiplash injury. Make sure you contact the doctor in case you observe any of the complications as mentioned above.
Fastest Ways To Heal A Whiplash Injury
The whiplash can be healed in several ways. Some of them include taking adequate rest, leveraging hot and cold packs, oils, exercising daily, taking medications, and a lot more. Now, let’s discuss each of them in detail.
1. Rest
Rest is one of the coolest ways to recover your mind and body. Like many other physical injuries, one can recover from whiplash after a few days of bed rest.
Usually, extensive rest causes immobilization and it further worses the case. So, make sure you keep in touch with the doctor and follow their guidance for better recovery.
2. Ice & Heat Packs
If you’ve got into any accident, the best way to reduce swelling and pain is through icing. Similarly, leverage ice packs if you’re suffering from neck injuries. Usually, the body swells after a couple of days of the accident, especially in the upper back region.
Make sure to cover the ice packs in a towel to avoid burns due to direct contact. After a couple of days, use heat packs on the same areas as you worked with cold packs. While cold packs reduce inflammation, the heat packs improve blood circulation and offer adequate nutrients to the tissues.
3. Use Essential Oils
Did you know even a scent has a healing property on mind and body? For instance, the essential oils when diffused into your room relax your body and heals the body pains or injuries. You can even apply oil gently on your skin to enjoy faster results.
Lavender is one of the most healing essential oils highly used during bedtimes. The best part of using essential oils like rosemary, peppermint, chrysanthemum, etc are they promote positive vibes, soothing environment, anti-inflammatory, and other healing effects.
4. Tea
Hot teas such as ginger and chamomile tea before bed heals the whiplash injuries in no time. The special pre parties in these hot teas relax muscles, calm down inflammation, discomfort, and ensure sound sleep. So, sip a hot tea before bed to enjoy exclusive healing benefits.
5. Exercise(Stretching)
Stretching is one of the most important aspects in the healing process of whiplash injuries. One should take care not to stretch much to avoid unnecessary issues. Opt for mild stretches that offer less stress and strain to your neck and spine muscles.
Talk to your physician regarding the mild stretches so that you can work out daily. Experts usually recommend performing exercises such as turning your neck sideways or up and down. However, if you experience pain while performing stretching stop the stretches immediately.
How About Massage Therapy? Does Massaging Works Healing Whiplash?
Massaging is one of the most significant healing therapies. Massaging the neck and spinal region relieve muscle stress and relax them. It even ensures adequate blood circulation enhancing the oxygen supply to tissues. In addition, this therapy heals headaches ensuring a speedy recovery process.
One can use essential oils or even CBD oil for faster recovery. Apply gently and massage the oils on the injured areas to soothe the muscles.
How Does Massage Therapy Work?
Initially, go to the professional physician and explain the overall scenario. Start with a gentle massage to prevent fractures or further complications. After a few days, the physician applies a few other messaging therapies to promote a healthy body, activate blood flow, and relax muscle tension.
The side benefits of massage therapy is that it activates your mind and body. So, not only can you enjoy a flexible and healthy body but also a peaceful mind.
Key Takeaways
Most people neglect whiplash injuries. However, its effect is long-lasting and pretty uncomfortable. The whiplash leads to several health complications such as chronic headaches, lack of memory, depression, upper back issues, etc.
A few fastest ways to heal the whiplash injury are as follows:
- Take adequate bed rest.
- Apply cold packs and heat packs for a couple of days to relieve inflammation and improve blood circulation.
- Use essential oils and hot teas to reduce pains.
- Stretch gently and massage thoroughly under the guidance of experts.
Make sure you follow the tips as mentioned above to enjoy a faster recovery process. Moreover, consider regular checkups to know the status of your health.
