How to Treat Neck Pain After a Car Accident

Neck pain is one of the most common symptoms experienced after a car accident, affecting up to 90% of auto-injury patients. If you were involved in a minor collision you may have walked away from the accident relatively unscratched, only to wake up the next day with a stiff, sore neck. Perhaps you pop a few pain relievers and hope the pain goes away in a few days, but what happens if it persists?

Here are five steps you can take to treat neck pain after a car accident in St. Louis, MO.

1. Ice: As soon as you notice pain in your neck, apply ice packs to the painful areas for up to 30 minutes several times a day. This will help calm the inflammation and numb the pain.
2. Anti-inflammatory Medications: Taking some Ibuprofen or Advil can help to ease the pain and decrease inflammation temporarily, but you'll need a long-term solution for relief. Long-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can lead to liver, kidney, and stomach problems.
3. See a Doctor: Visit your St. Louis chiropractor or your family physician as soon as possible after the auto injury. This will help to establish the extent of your injury, and help you develop a treatment plan  to prevent chronic symptoms.
4. Stretch: When your initial pain subsides, performing gentle stretches can help you regain flexibility and strength in your neck. Our St. Louis chiropractors can use teach safe physical therapy exercises to prevent the development of harmful scar tissue.
5. Get Adjusted: Chiropractic neck adjustments can also aide in preventing harmful scar tissue to decrease disability and pain.

Our St. Louis chiropractors are experienced in treating neck pain and whiplash after car accidents. Call Accident and Pain Relief of St. Louis to find lasting relief of neck pain today.