The traditional treatment for a whiplash-type injury is that of wearing a soft collar and getting some rest. However, recent studies have shown this not to be the most effective way of recovering from a whiplash neck injury.
Additionally, the combined results of three studies showed that taking part in exercise and early mobilization led to a 70% success rate, whilst soft collars gave only a 58% success rate. This finding suggests that doing exercise may well give you a better chance at a full recovery than using a collar.
One such study was published in the journal Bandolier in 2005 and brought together five separate studies that had looked at the effects of different therapies on whiplash injury patients. Through a statistical comparison of the five studies it was found that soft collars are not a benefit for most people with a whiplash-type injury.
It is generally recommended that an ice pack should be applied to reduce swelling as soon as possible after the injury is sustained. However, heat can also be very effective in reducing pain and loosening the neck muscles. Warm showers and heat packs are often recommended further on in the process of recovery.
Those who are still suffering from pain after 12 weeks may well be recommended to undergo further diagnostic tests so that appropriate specialist treatment can be arranged. Symptoms will generally have to be quite severe if treatments such as spine and facet injections are to be used because there are risks involved and they only provide relief for a limited period.
Chiropractic therapy can help to diagnose, treat and relieve symptoms of whiplash-type injuries. Spinal manipulation therapy is one type of chiropractics that is commonly used in the resolution of Whiplash-Associated Disorders. It can be carried out by either an osteopath or a chiropractor and it works to manipulate muscles and bones into their correct places.
Many healthcare professionals, however, understand the pain and discomfort that their Late Whiplash Syndrome patients experience and there are numerous medical experts who are willing to testify in support of compensation claims for the condition.
The results of a study that looked at the symptoms of Late Whiplash Syndrome showed that there were patterns in the type of pain that people were experiencing. Neck pain is a symptom experienced by nearly all Late Whiplash Syndrome sufferers and headaches are also a very common complaint.
The pain produced by the joint is also found to influence levels of concentration, memory, weakness or heaviness in the joints, dizziness, visual disturbance, and back pain. When this joint was treated with anaesthetic, these symptoms were relieved.
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