In many cases, whiplash will eventually get better on its own or after some basic treatment.
However, sometimes whiplash can cause a number of severe and troublesome symptoms that last for a long time.
Whiplash that lasts for six months or more is sometimes known as chronic whiplash or late whiplash syndrome.
Your neck may be painful, but keeping it mobile from an early stage will improve its functionality and speed up your recovery. Any pain you experience when moving your neck is normal and will not cause further damage.
Resting your neck and keeping it still is likely to prolong your symptoms and delay recovery. Therefore, using a neck brace or collar is not recommended.
Paracetamol is recommended to treat mild to moderate neck pain. You should use it regularly rather than only when the pain is most severe.
If you have severe neck pain, your GP will be able to prescribe a stronger painkiller, such as codeine. This can be used on its own or in combination with paracetamol to provide increased pain relief.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, can also be used to help ease pain and reduce inflammation.
Always follow the manufacturer’s recommended dosage instructions when taking painkillers and NSAIDs. Avoid taking ibuprofen if you have a stomach ulcer, or if you have had one in the past. Also avoid taking ibuprofen if you have severe heart failure or liver disease.
Read more about the considerations when using ibuprofen.
Physiotherapy uses a range of physical techniques, such as massage and manipulation, to help restore function and movement. It can often help restore a person’s range of movement following a whiplash injury.
Your physiotherapist will also be able to show you neck exercises you can do at home.
However, keeping your neck mobile and using painkillers to provide pain relief are recommended. Your treatment plan should be based on your specific symptoms and focus on dealing with the cause of your pain.
If you have severe neck pain, a stronger painkiller, such as codeine, can be prescribed to either use on its own or with paracetamol or ibuprofen. Again, you should always follow the manufacturer's dosage instructions when using painkillers and anti-inflammatories.
However, sometimes whiplash can cause a number of severe and troublesome symptoms that last for a long time.
Whiplash that lasts for six months or more is sometimes known as chronic whiplash or late whiplash syndrome.
Mobilisation
If you have whiplash, it is important you keep your neck mobile by doing some gentle neck exercises.Your neck may be painful, but keeping it mobile from an early stage will improve its functionality and speed up your recovery. Any pain you experience when moving your neck is normal and will not cause further damage.
Resting your neck and keeping it still is likely to prolong your symptoms and delay recovery. Therefore, using a neck brace or collar is not recommended.
Painkillers and anti-inflammatories
Analgesics (painkillers) can be used to help relieve the pain of a whiplash injury.Paracetamol is recommended to treat mild to moderate neck pain. You should use it regularly rather than only when the pain is most severe.
If you have severe neck pain, your GP will be able to prescribe a stronger painkiller, such as codeine. This can be used on its own or in combination with paracetamol to provide increased pain relief.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, can also be used to help ease pain and reduce inflammation.
Always follow the manufacturer’s recommended dosage instructions when taking painkillers and NSAIDs. Avoid taking ibuprofen if you have a stomach ulcer, or if you have had one in the past. Also avoid taking ibuprofen if you have severe heart failure or liver disease.
Read more about the considerations when using ibuprofen.
Physiotherapy
If your symptoms of whiplash continue for several weeks, physiotherapy may be recommended.Physiotherapy uses a range of physical techniques, such as massage and manipulation, to help restore function and movement. It can often help restore a person’s range of movement following a whiplash injury.
Your physiotherapist will also be able to show you neck exercises you can do at home.
Chronic whiplash
Symptoms of whiplash can sometimes last six months or longer (chronic whiplash). There is little in the way of scientific evidence to suggest which treatments are most effective for treating long-term whiplash.However, keeping your neck mobile and using painkillers to provide pain relief are recommended. Your treatment plan should be based on your specific symptoms and focus on dealing with the cause of your pain.
If you have severe neck pain, a stronger painkiller, such as codeine, can be prescribed to either use on its own or with paracetamol or ibuprofen. Again, you should always follow the manufacturer's dosage instructions when using painkillers and anti-inflammatories.
Self care
As well as keeping your neck mobile and using painkillers, the self care measures below may also help you manage the pain and stiffness in your neck and prevent them getting worse.- Good posture – always maintain a good, upright posture by keeping your back straight while sitting, standing and walking. If you spend a lot of time using a computer, you should adjust your chair and computer screen correctly.
- Supportive pillow – some people find a firm, supportive pillow helps when sleeping. Avoid using more than one pillow.
- Exercises and stretches – controlled exercises, such as those used in activities like yoga, will help improve your strength and posture. However, there is no evidence they help reduce neck pain.
No comments:
Post a Comment