neck shoulder pain treatments accidents

Neck Vs. Shoulder Pain: Treatments Following Car Accidents

In part one of this two-part blog series, we looked at some of the differences between neck and shoulder pain following a car accident. While these areas of the body are closely connected via nerve pathways, they’re technically different — and there are cases where your body may actually be a bit confused about which is actually experiencing issues.

Luckily, working with quality auto accident chiropractors like ours at Peterson Chiropractic will help you gain a full understanding here, both of where your main issues are following a car accident and how they can be addressed. Today’s part two of our series will look over some specific strategies used for managing both these forms of pain — some of these you can do on your own, while some will involve the help of our chiropractors or other medical professionals.

Relieving Car Accident Shoulder Pain

If you and your chiropractor have determined that shoulder pain is your primary issue following a car accident, you have several resources available for alleviating pain and related symptoms:

  • Resting from aggravating activities: As with neck pain, it’s crucial that you give your shoulder time to rest and heal after an injury. This means avoiding any lifting, pushing, or other activities that put strain on the area.
  • Applying ice: Ice can help reduce pain and inflammation in the shoulder area. Apply a cold compress to the area for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day.
  • Taking pain medication: If the pain is severe, your doctor may prescribe medications to help you manage it.
  • Physical therapy or other treatments: If your shoulder pain doesn’t respond to conservative measures, you may need to seek out physical therapy or other treatments. A chiropractor can help here, whether through utilizing our services or an outside recommendation if needed.
  • Cortisone injections: For some people, a cortisone injection may be necessary to help manage pain.

Relieving Car Accident Neck Pain

Some of the same concepts apply for neck pain following a car accident, though they may differ in distinct ways. Some tips here include:

  • Physical therapy or yoga for range of motion: It’s crucial that you maintain a good range of motion in your neck following an injury. Physical therapy or yoga can help with this, as well as improve your strength and flexibility.
  • Ice and heat: As with shoulder pain, ice and heat can help reduce inflammation and pain in the neck area.
  • Medications: If the pain is severe, your doctor may prescribe medications to help you manage it.
  • Cortisone injections: Again, for some people, a cortisone injection may be necessary to help manage pain.

As always, it’s important to consult with your chiropractor or other healthcare professionals to develop the best strategy for managing pain following a car accident. Peterson Chiropractic is here to help you get back on your feet as quickly as possible!

For more on our auto accident and whiplash chiropractic treatments or any other services we offer, contact us today.

Peterson Chiropractic is led by Doctor Bradley Peterson, who grew up in Davis County and attended the University of Utah.