Got In A Car Collision…What To Do Next

Imagine the following situation: you were involved in a car accident. The paramedics arrive, but you don’t seem to have any external injuries, so they decide to take to a hospital to make sure there is no internal damage. The doctors then send you home with a diagnosis of whiplash. This article focuses on the muscle and soft tissue injuries that can occur with whiplash and helpful tips everybody can use before seeing a chiropractor and physiotherapist.

Remember, It is always recommended you get assessed first by a chiropractor and physiotherapist. They will be able to determine the appropriate treatment for you.

So, how does whiplash happen? Your muscles, ligaments, and soft tissues in your neck are not designed for the drastic sudden movements you neck goes through during a car crash. These structures can easily get overstretched, strained and sprained during those few seconds. Some people may develop inflammation and pain right away, while others don’t see any symptoms until years later.

The first thing you need to know is that the days following the accident are extremely crucial for your healing process. Studies have shown there is a higher risk of re -injury during first 3 – 10 days after a car accident. It is recommended that you adjust your schedule, rest your neck, avoid lifting and leaning.

Following resting period, slowly incorporate work tasks, chores and daily activities. When you get a chance, lie flat and put ice wrapped up on a towel under the affected area. Rest as much as you can.

There are often things we do that we don’t realize can worsen whiplash.

Carrying heavy weights will cause strain to the neck muscles. Proper posture and movements when lifting and carrying objects is very important.
Slouching or adopting odd positions while sitting down. Make sure to adjust your seat to have more back support, and head support.
If you wash your hair, do not wear a damp towel on your head as it adds weight to your neck muscles.
Changing the laundry can be difficult. Ask for help with this task, especially if dealing with heavy fabric like jeans, or make the loads smaller.
Texting tends to make us push our heads forward or look down for long periods of time. This makes the neck muscles work hard to hold your head up.

Make sure in those first few days after an accident you rest your neck, and make an appointment to see a chiropractor or physiotherapist.

How Can PhysioChiroWellness Help?

At PhysioChiroWellness Integrated Health Centre our highly-skilled practitioners work together to create fully integrated health solutions that may include physiotherapy, chiropractic, massage therapy, acupuncture, naturopathy, medical aesthetics amongst others. Our professionals will work together towards achieving an optimal health for all our patients through a holistically approach when treating any condition or pain they may present. This service is provided in our Ajax, Mississauga, Newmarket, & Vaughan clinics and can be booked at any time.

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Got In A Car Collision…What To Do Next