Manipulation of the spine may cause minor problems, such as numbness or dizziness, and rarely damage to spinal tissues. There is some evidence that chiropractic care may provide pain relief when paired with exercise or physical therapy. A chiropractor performs joint manipulation techniques. Acupuncture involves inserting ultrafine needles through specific areas on your skin. Nontraditional therapies have been tried to treat whiplash pain, but research about how well they work is limited. Your doctor can instruct you on how to properly use the collar, and for how long. Some experts suggest limiting use to no more than 72 hours, while others say it may be worn up to three hours a day for a few weeks. Recommendations for using a collar vary though. Still, use of a collar to limit movement may help reduce pain soon after your injury, and may help you sleep at night. However, studies have shown that keeping the neck still for long periods of time can decrease muscle strength and interfere with recovery. Soft foam cervical collars were once commonly used for whiplash injuries to hold the neck and head still. Your physical therapist can also create a personalized exercise routine that you can do at home. The number of physical therapy sessions needed will vary from person to person. Limited research suggests this treatment may temporarily ease neck pain and improve muscle strength. TENS applies a mild electric current to the skin. In some cases, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) may be used. Your physical therapist will guide you through exercises to strengthen your muscles, improve posture and restore normal movement. Physical therapy can help you feel better and may prevent further injury. If you have ongoing whiplash pain or need assistance with range-of-motion exercises, your doctor may recommend that you see a physical therapist. Applying moist heat to the painful area or taking a warm shower may be recommended before exercise. These exercises can help restore range of motion in your neck and get you back to your normal activities. Your doctor will likely prescribe a series of stretching and movement exercises for you to do at home. An injection of lidocaine (Xylocaine) - a numbing medicine - into painful muscle areas may be used to decrease pain so that you can do physical therapy. It may be used to help restore normal sleep if pain prevents you from getting a good night's rest. The medicine also can make you feel sleepy. Short-term use of these drugs may be recommended to loosen tight muscles and soothe pain. People with more-severe pain may be given certain antidepressant drugs that have been shown to relieve nerve pain. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others), often can control mild to moderate whiplash pain. Either heat or cold applied to the neck for 15 minutes every three hours or so can help you feel better. Rest may be helpful for a day or two after your injury, but too much bed rest may delay recovery. Your doctor may recommend one or more of the following treatments to lessen pain: Others may need prescription medication, specialized pain treatment or physical therapy. Some people only need over-the-counter medication and at-home care. Your treatment plan will depend on the extent of your whiplash injury. Restore normal range of motion in your neck.
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