Whiplash is a common injury that can be caused by a sudden, forceful movement of the neck. It can be caused by a car accident, sports injury, or other trauma. The symptoms of whiplash can range from mild to severe and can include neck pain, stiffness, headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. The goal of treatment for whiplash is to reduce pain and restore normal range of motion in the neck.
Resting for a day or two after the injury may be helpful, but excessive bed rest can delay recovery. Applying heat or cold to the affected area can also help reduce pain and inflammation. In addition to these treatments, there is limited evidence in the current medical literature to support certain methods of treating whiplash over others. For example, studies have shown that people who have suffered a whiplash injury may have compromised synchronization of the serratus anterior muscle, which can lead to poor mechanics when it comes to reaching and moving the arm.
The serrated wall slide can be useful for retraining this muscle. It's important to note that you shouldn't try to treat whiplash injuries on your own if the event that caused it also made you faint or lost consciousness. In these cases, it's best to seek medical attention right away. The time it takes to recover from whiplash depends on the treatments themselves, as well as factors such as the cause of the whiplash, personal circumstances, health history, and more. The goal of treatment is to allow whiplash to heal as much as possible on its own while at the same time supporting that healing process and minimizing symptoms.
If you have suffered a whiplash injury, it's important to talk to your doctor about the best treatment options for you.
