Exercise those Eyes after Whiplash
Feb 17, 2023 -- Posted by :
Whiplash associated disorder (WAD) has been known to affect nerve function, which can manifest as several symptoms, including visual problems. If the initial chiropractic examination reveals altered ocular function, the patient’s chiropractor may recommend a variety of eye-specific exercises to aid in the healing process.
- Blinking: Blinking essentially rests the eyes, reducing eye strain, keeping them lubricated and it can prolong focus. Try blinking 10 times for every 20 minutes of screen time. Also, focus on a far-off object for 20 seconds every 20 minutes when working at the computer.
- Eye movements: Slowly move your eyes up and down three times; then move them left to right three times and then shut your eyes and rest for 15-30 seconds.
- Figure-8: Imagine a large poster about 8-10 ft away that features two 8s, one upright and one on its side. Starting with the upright 8, move your eyes tracing the path of the 8 for about 30 seconds and reverse the direction. Repeat the same with the sideways 8. Blink/rest as needed. If needed, start with 5-10 seconds and work up to 30 seconds.
- Focus: Hold a finger or sharp pencil a few inches out in front of your eyes (in a well-lit room), and focus on the tip for a few seconds. Then focus on a far-off object until it comes into focus. Return to your finger/pencil and repeat this five-to-ten times, gradually increasing the repetitions (blink/rest as needed).
- Convergence: Holding your thumb or a pencil upward with your outstretched arm, slowly bring the thumb/pencil closer to the bridge of your nose (equally between the eyes) until you see two. Then move it back until only one thumb/pencil reappears. Slowly repeat the loss and gain of one object five-to-ten times, again respecting fatigue and/or other irritating symptoms (light headedness, dizziness, pain, etc.). Be patient and work slowly but purposefully.
Not only can these exercises benefit the WAD patient with ocular dysfunction, but they can also help those with digital eye strain, photophobia (increased sensitivity to light), post-surgical balancing of the ocular muscles, focus problems, convergence insufficiency (inability to cross the eyes), and lazy eye (often seen in kids).
So, if you have had a car accident in Fort Myers and you have neck pain, dizziness, vertigo, or imbalance and type in chiropractor near me, pain management near me, whiplash, or even car accident lawyer in your area you may find Coast Chiropractic Centers with Dr. Timothy Harcourt, me, comes up.
You may wonder, “Do I need an MRI scan of my neck or a DTI (Diffusion Tensor Imaging) of my brain for traumatic brain injury (TBI) detection and documentation”?
Also, if you feel arm or leg pain it may indicate things are getting worse and” may indicate a bulge on the disc or worse yet a herniated disc in your neck and/or back. Shoulder pain is very common with whiplash and could require conservative treatment right away to avoid injections or worse yet, surgery. A foggy brain may indicate a mild traumatic brain injury, thus the potential need for a DTI (Diffusion Tensor Imaging). Persistent or worsening pain intensity and/or frequency necessitates a visit to see a professional around you.
Check out what the experts say about chiropractic care for whiplash here:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9921598/
If you would like to avoid chronic whiplash symptoms in the first place or to take a proactive approach to your health and wellness nearby, our membership program called Club C may be just the thing for you with great cost savings, convenience, and even more importantly, a plan to get your health back and keep it.
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Call me, Dr. Tim Harcourt, at Coast Chiropractic Centers at (239) 278-3344 or stop by on your day off for a walk in first visit to include history, exam, and adjustment or Class IV high-intensity laser treatment and we will submit the bills to your auto carrier for payment.