When is it safe to return to physical activities after a neck sprain
You are doing an intense physical activity and one sudden move caused a sharp pain in the neck. Looking for the best neck sprain treatment in Tallahassee, you faced with a tough question: When can you safely return to your athletic activities?
Neck sprains are common in the lives of active people. In fact, 20% of sports-related injuries are neck injuries. Some get mild strains whereas some people get more serious sprains. In any case, you should know the ideal time to return to sport. Timing is crucial for both recovery and future injury prevention.
What is a neck sprain and how does it happen?
We have ligaments that do the job of holding our bones and stabilizing the joints. When these ligaments are stretched you get a neck sprain. So basically, your ligaments are like ropes on a tent that keep everything in place. These overstretched ropes cause pain and restrict neck movement.
Neck sprains can happen from various activities. For instance, during a collision and a sudden impact in sports can lead to a sprain. Even a quick turn from a car accident can injure the neck. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke states that 30% of car accidents cause neck injuries.
You can identify neck sprain without obvious pain and stiffness. You might also havedifficulty moving your neck. Sometimes, people also experience headaches or pain that radiates into their shoulders or arms. Your neck becomes like a tangled rope; the more you pull, the more it resists.
How canchiropractors in Tallahassee Florida help with a sprained neck?
You do not need toxic painkillers to get through a sprained neck. Chiropractors are specialists who can naturally treat your neck injuries. They use manual spinal adjustmentsto restore neck function.
A chiropractor tests the range at which you can move your neck. They also check your overall health to suggest specific adjustments for pain relief. Studiesmake the efficacy of chiropractic adjustments evident for neck pain.
Regular sessions with your chiropractor are also great for the strength and flexibility of your neck muscles. They suggest some exercises to support the neck. Trust me, you will need these chiropractic recommendations to avoid setbacks of future injuries. For example, gentle neck stretches make your neck muscles more resilient and reduce the chances of sprain in the future.
Additionally, you can seek posture guidance during the appointment to prevent neck strain during daily activities. They might suggest adjustments to your workstation setup or posture corrections to avoid unnecessary stress on your neck.
When can you safely return to physical activities after a chiropractic adjustment Tallahassee?
Several factors decide when you are getting back in the game. Here is a checklist for you to understand the right timing for returning to physical activities.
Pain Level
The pain should be minimal or gone. Persistent pain might indicate that your neck is not fully healed. You should not continue physical activities while you are in pain. It will intensify the injury and prolong recovery.
Range of Motion
Your neck should move smoothly in all directions. Test this by gently turning your head in all directions. Any level of stiffness or pain during the movement tells that your neck needs more time to heal.
Strength
Your neck muscles should be strong enough to support your head during physical activities. Weakness in the neck can increase the risk of re-injury. Ask your chiropractor for neck strength-building exercises.
Chiropractic Tallahassee recommendations
Do not returnto sports without consulting your doctor. They can evaluate your recovery levels to give personalized recommendations for physical activities.
A phased return to activity can also be beneficial. Start with light exercises and gradually increase intensity as your neck strengthens. This gradual approach helps ensure you’re not overloading your neck too soon.
Can a chiropractor open near me prevent future neck sprains?
You can stay active and injury-free when you eventually know how to avoid neck injuries. Regular chiropractic sessions are beneficial for your neck and spine health. This is how you can prevent the recurrence of neck sprains.
Proper warm up
Stretchbefore physical activities to prepare your neck for movement. Dynamic stretches are good for better blood flow and flexibility. Chiropractors recommend gentle neck rolls and stretches.
Proper tacking technique
You can prevent strain on your neck when you know tackling techniques. Consult with an expert to learn more about the tactics that even help in reducing the risk of neck injuries.
Strengthen your neck
Regular neck exercises can improve muscle strength and resilience. Exercises like neck tilts, extensions, and resistance band exercises can help keep your neck strong and flexible.
Pay attention to pain
Do not ignore any signs of neck strain. Take a break and consult with your chiropractor. Minor issues can become major problems in the absence of early intervention.
Correct posture
Good posture supports neck health and prevents strain. Pay attention to how you sit and stand. Use ergonomic furniture and take breaks to stretch if you spend long hours sitting.
Conclusion
Pay careful attention to your body’s signals when you are recovering from a neck sprain. If you want to safely return to sports then you should search best rated chiropractor near me. You can manage neck pain with routine chiropractic care. Be consistent with your alignment sessions to improve the neck function and prevent future injuries. Follow the guidelines above and work closely with your chiropractor for a safe and effective return to the activities you enjoy.
If you are ready to get back in the game and need expert help, visit Pragle Chiropractic, Accident And Injury Clinic. We are located next to W Tennessee St in the College Park neighbourhood. Our team is dedicated to providing personalized care for all age groups. Schedule an appointment and start enjoying your favourite sport once again.