How to Treat Whiplash from a Car Accident

Whiplash is a common car accident injury, but it can be a bit tricky. It can take hours or even days for symptoms to manifest. For this reason, it is important to pay attention to the symptoms and seek medical treatment at the first sign of whiplash. If left untreated, whiplash can be very serious.

Car Accident Whiplash Symptoms

Whiplash can occur when the muscles, ligaments, and tendons in the neck are stretched out or hyperextended during the impact of a car accident. It can sometimes be difficult to tell if you have whiplash until you start going through the tasks of everyday life. Along with a headache, other symptoms of whiplash may include blurred or double vision, fatigue, pain in the shoulder, neck or head, stiff and sore muscles, and restricted range of motion. It can sometimes be difficult to diagnose whiplash, so it is important to pay attention to the symptoms.

Seek Medical Treatment

If you think you have whiplash, you should consider contacting a medical professional. Even if the pain is mild at first, it can increase. When you see the medical professional, there are a few things he or she may do. An X-ray is not generally effective in assessing whiplash, as the injury involves soft tissue, as opposed to broken bones. The doctor will nevertheless evaluate you for the pain to see what movements exacerbate pain, such as, laying down, moving your head, etc.

Doctor Recommended Treatment Plans

Once your evaluation is complete, the medical professional may recommend treatment to help alleviate pain and stiffness. Treatments include massage therapy, physical therapy, pain relievers, chiropractic treatments, stretching and strengthening exercises, wearing a neck brace, and injections meant to manage the pain. What the doctor recommends will depend on the severity of your injury, and how bad the pain is. The medical professional will also provide you with specific instructions on how to care for your whiplash.

Your doctor may ask you to perform certain activities at home to help alleviate the pain and lessen discomfort. For instance, your doctor may ask you to ice the area and take over the counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen. Your doctor may also ask you to wear a neck collar or airplane pillow, which can provide some relief in terms of trying to sleep, as these supportive tools will reduce movement and hopefully promote healing. Your doctor may also ask you to refrain from physically demanding activities, including lifting or pushing heavy objects.

Your doctor may want you to use the impacted area gently, just to keep it somewhat mobile. Gentle exercise and stretching can help to alleviate pain and stiffness. Of course, in all cases, you should follow your doctor’s recommendations.

While some whiplash injuries heal within a matter of months or weeks, some do not, and you may be looking at chronic pain and complications.

Hurt In A Car? Call William Mattar

If you have recently been involved in a car crash and are suffering from whiplash, you may want to consider consulting an experienced personal injury attorney at William Mattar law offices to explore your legal options. Car insurance companies tend to move fast in these situations, and it may be worth having representation in place by the time the car insurance company reaches out in regards to a settlement. If the car insurance company wants you to sign documents or provide a recorded statement, consult with our car accident lawyers, who can make sure you get the best possible outcome. Call us today at (844) 444-4444.