If you’ve been in a motor vehicle accident, you may not feel pain right away. Since damage to your spine can occur even without pain after a strong impact, preventive treatment from a chiropractor lowers your risk of future health problems.

You may be injured from an impact that forcefully jerked your body (such as a car accident, bicycle accident, or motorcycle collision). Symptoms of whiplash — abnormal motion or force to your neck — to watch out for include:

• Neck pain and swelling
• Tenderness along the back of your neck
• Shooting pain from the neck to your shoulder or arm
• Difficulty moving your neck
• Back or neck muscle spasms
• Headaches
• Difficulty sleeping
• Loss of appetite
• Lack of concentration
• Irritability
• Ringing in your ears
• Dizzy spells

Dr. Ash may use the following treatments to help heal whiplash and other injuries related to accidents. These treatments can also prevent injury recurrence and are natural ways to manage pain:

• Physical therapy
• Chiropractic adjustments
• Spinal decompression
• Ultrasound therapy
• Cold laser therapy
• Electric muscle stimulation (EMS)

Spinal decompression is a traction therapy for the spine that uses gentle manipulation and stretching techniques. Ultrasound therapy emits sound waves, EMS sends electric impulses to muscles, and cold laser therapy uses low-level light energy to reduce pain and enhance healing.

Dr. Ash may recommend several treatment strategies, depending on the severity of your condition. He works together with you to devise a plan you’re comfortable with. You may begin feeling better after one treatment, but the but the number of sessions required is individualized.

Here are some of the at-home techniques Dr. Ash recommends to help your body recover:

• Apply ice packs or heating pads to affected areas
• Use exercise and stretching recommended by Dr. Ash
• Get plenty of rest (7 to 9 hours) each night
• Eat a healthy diet
• Keep stress levels low
• Maintain a healthy weight

When you’re ready for pain relief and a speedy recovery after an accident, call Dr. Ash or book an appointment online.