Whiplash is an injury to the neck due to sudden rapid back and forth movement. Whiplash is most commonly caused due to a vehicle accident or sports injury. In a whiplash injury, your tendons of your neck get stretched or torn. This condition is very much similar to neck strains and it affects both men and women equally.
Today in this article, you will read everything you need to know about whiplash injury. You will also read about CBD and how CBD can help in treating whiplash injuries. So let’s start with causes and symptoms.
What Causes Whiplash?
When your head is quickly thrown back and forth, the cervical vertebrae, ligaments, and tendons are damaged which causes a whiplash injury. Below there are some common causes of whiplash injury-
Motor Vehicle Accident
Read-end collisions can suddenly force your neck forward then slam back once the seat belt holds you in place.
Assault
If you are punched in the face or are forcefully shaken then also you may suffer from whiplash.
Sports Injury
Collisions while playing sports activity such as football and rugby is also cause of whiplash.
Whiplash: Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of whiplash can often be seen right after the injury but in most cases, symptoms take 24 hours to develop.
- Stiffness and neck pain
- Neck pain which increases with movement
- Loss of neck movement
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Tingling sensation
- Pain in shoulder and arm
- Headache
- Tinnitus
- Irritability
- Lack of concentration
- Insomnia
- Memory loss
- Depression
How Is Whiplash Diagnosed?
The doctor will go through a complete medical history and physical examination to diagnose whiplash.
X-ray:
X-ray uses electromagnetic energy to show internal bones, tissues and organs to diagnose whiplash and ensure no vertebra are broken.
MRI:
Magnetic resonance imaging uses large magnets for detailed images of soft tissues and body organs.
CT scan:
CT scan can show detailed images of any body organ, therefore, it is very helpful in identifying whiplash.
What Are The Treatment Options For Whiplash?
The best treatment option for whiplash is pain management. Try to get bed-rest for 24 hours. Below, I have mentioned some other treatment options for whiplash.
- Ice your neck for every day for at least 20 minutes. It will reduce the swelling and stiffness caused by the injury.
- Use collar or neck brace for neck support. Use of a neck brace will hasten the healing process and it will also protect your neck from any unnecessary movement.
- Use heat packs after 2 days of icing your neck. It will reduce swelling and pain.
- Avoid any physical activity which causes strain to your neck muscles.
The Potency Of CBD for Whiplash
CBD is a natural compound which is well known for its anti-pain and anti-inflammation properties. Use of CBD also boosts bone growth and strength. For understanding the role of CBD in treating whiplash we have to dive a little deeper. Our body has different receptors known as CB1 and CB2 and they are responsible for regulating pain, mood, hunger, and energy level. When you consume CBD it binds with these receptors to manage pain and inflammation caused by whiplash.
Use of CBD topicals like CBD Pain Balm is very beneficial against whiplash. It reduces the sensation of pain from your neck. The best thing about CBD is that you can use it in different forms such as powder, oil, and edibles.
My Final Thoughts
Whiplash injury can make your life difficult to handle. CBD is a natural alternative which can provide you relief from a whiplash injury. The best thing about CBD is that it just not fight with pain it also reduces the inflammation and tingling sensations. The best way to use CBD when you are suffering from Whiplash injury is to use CBD topical, just apply over the affected area to get relief.
Above, I have also mentioned some other natural treatment options for whiplash injuries such as rest, ice, and use of collar brace. If you are aware of any other natural treatment option for whiplash injury then feel free to share with us. Thank you for reading this article.
