Whiplash is a painful condition that results when the neck has been forced to move forward too quickly and then snaps backward. It’s usually an injury that occurs during vehicle collisions. It affects up to 83% of people who experience a vehicle collision, making it extremely common.
The symptoms of whiplash can be disruptive to everyday life and can even interfere with how well a person sleeps every night. If left untreated, the symptoms may worsen or develop into a chronic condition.
If you have been impacted by whiplash, keep reading for some tips on treating it for better sleep.
What are some of the symptoms of whiplash?
- Tingling or pain — One of the main symptoms of whiplash is tingling, numbness, or pain in the arms, shoulders, or neck. The degree of tingling or pain can vary, but most whiplash sufferers report this symptom to some extent.
- Limited movement — Another common symptom of whiplash is the limited range of motion in the neck. It may become hard to move the neck without feeling pain. Stiffness may also occur.
- Dizziness and headaches — Some people report experiencing dizziness or headaches as a result of their whiplash.
- Difficulty sleeping — It’s common for whiplash sufferers to feel like they can’t get a full night’s rest. The symptoms listed above are just a few that can make sleeping difficult.
The symptoms of whiplash may not present themselves immediately following the injury. It may take several days or even weeks for symptoms to show. It’s important to pay attention to any symptoms that may arise over time, and speak with your physician about them. Don’t ignore your symptoms or discount them when speaking with your physician.
What are some tips for sleeping with whiplash? How do they make sleeping easier?
- Roll out your neck — Before bed, you might benefit from using a foam roller to gently release some of the muscle tension that may have built up. Reducing muscle tension may improve how well you sleep after experiencing whiplash.
- Use a supportive pillow — If your whiplash has disturbed how well you sleep throughout the night, try using a supportive neck pillow. If you don’t have a neck pillow, you may be able to achieve a similar effect by placing a pillow on either side of your head before you sleep.
- Make sure that you’re in a good sleeping position — Certain sleeping positions will likely exacerbate your neck pain, like sleeping on your stomach. If you’re hoping to ease whiplash-related neck pain for better sleep, you’ll want to sleep flat on your back. Side sleeping may be OK too, but the best way to reduce tension in your neck and shoulders is to lie on your back.
Why should you attend regular physical therapy sessions for your whiplash?
You may experience a more successful recovery period after your injury if you use the tips listed above in conjunction with the services of a physical therapist. Why should you choose to visit with a physical therapist? They are trained in the methods that can best alleviate the pain and discomfort you may experience, while also building strength and improving the range of motion in your neck. They know how painful and inconvenient whiplash can be. Instead of treating just your symptoms, they will work with you to address your whole-body condition to eventually make sleep come much easier for you.
Forever Fit Physical Therapy & Wellness can help you learn how to manage your whiplash pain so that you can start getting better sleep
At Forever Fit Physical Therapy & Wellness, our compassionate and professional team can offer you a physical therapy experience that is made to fit you. We value each one of patients as individuals and appreciate that each person may need a unique treatment plan that aligns with their personal lifestyles and goals. If you’re wondering why your neck and shoulder are causing you so much discomfort after getting whiplash, we can help you through your personalized treatment plan to manage your condition. We will guide you toward the relief you’re looking for at any one of our several locations. Our Forever Fit team can assist you through your recovery process and help you figure out how you can best get back to restful sleep every night.
During each of your physical therapy sessions, our physical therapists will steer you through your treatments with the utmost compassion. We will walk you through each of your movements with care so that you may get back to the restful sleep that your whiplash has stolen.
Ready to get started? Don’t let your whiplash affect how you sleep any longer. Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.