Neck and back injuries are common after car accidents because the body absorbs a lot of force. The back and neck are sensitive to sudden movements. In a crash, the inertia causes the body’s movement to stop short. That puts sudden and enormous pressure on the person’s back and neck. The back is not meant to withstand the force and pressure from a car accident, which can result in a range of pain after a crash. The whiplash typically causes neck and back pain. This type of pain can make it difficult to go about your usual routines, movements and capabilities. If your pain is left unchecked, it can get worse, spread, and limit your mobility further. This happens because the muscles around the area of pain tensed up to protect the spot. 

Here are some tips to provide Neck and Back Pain Relief:

First follow the RICE method by resting, icing, and compressing.

Sleep and Rest : Back and muscle pain can interfere with sleep. In your sleep, your muscles relax. When you lose sleep due to pain, you lose this time to heal. Sleep problems increase the risk for musculoskeletal pain as well as other conditions. Rest your body for a few days without any strenuous activities to allow it time to recover. When possible, it’s best to rest while laying down. An Epsom Salt bath can be a great way to rest and relax. Slowly return to your regular activities, after approval from your doctor to do it safely.

Ice & Heat Therapy : Make sure that you ice your area of pain for at least 72 hours at the onset, or until the swelling has reduced. Do it in intervals for 15 minutes, then leave it off for 15 minutes. Try to do your intervals 3 to 4 times a day for 2 to 3 days. When you apply a cold compress, make sure to protect your skin from frostbite by making sure to wrap the ice in cloth. Tense back or tight neck can become relieved by heat, but be cautious not to use heat on areas of swelling. Use these under the guidance of your health care provider.

Massage Therapy : Many healthcare providers recognize massage therapy as an aid to help alleviate neck and back pain. Here at Chiropractic Physicians, we have massage therapists onsite to complement your treatment plans. Massages can relieve muscle tension, making you feel more relaxed and more comfortable and able to sleep.

Chiropractor Visits : Most importantly with impact injuries you should see a doctor immediately to diagnose all potential injuries and treat them. You could also have a concussion or internal injuries. If you have numbness, it is also a sign that you should check with your doctor. If your pain doesn’t get better at home after two weeks, see your doctor. 

Schedule Your Appointment Today with your Chiropractic Doctor if you are seeking neck pain or back pain relief. If you’ve been actively trying to improve your posture but are still feeling tense, it’s best to make an appointment for a chiropractic check-up. A chiropractic physician will be able to take an in-depth look at what is going on and potentially make some adjustments for your comfort. Chiropractic Physicians can help diagnose, treat, restore, and strengthen your body through our various massage therapy and chiropractic treatments. Now’s the time to put your health first; Schedule your appointment with one of our primary care providers in Burien, WA, Kent, WA, Federal Way, WA, or Tacoma, WA today!