If you’ve been in an accident, you may have suffered whiplash, a commonly used term for neck strain. Although whiplash injury is often associated with car accidents, it can actually be caused by any sudden, forceful impact that causes your head to jerk forward or backward, causing muscles and tendons in your neck to tear and stretch. This is why professional football players and athletes involved in contact sports often sustain whiplash. If you have whiplash, it’s important to seek medical attention right away.
Below, you’ll learn more about how to recognize whiplash symptoms and the treatments that are available.
Whiplash Symptoms and Diagnosis
A variety of symptoms may be associated with whiplash, and the most common of these is pain. You may experience tightness in your neck that restricts your range of motion, hard or knotted neck muscles, general tenderness, or pain when you move your head in different directions. Headaches that begin at the base of your skull and spread to your forehead are also common.
It’s important to remember that whiplash pain may appear immediately after an accident, but it can also take hours or days before you feel it. Often times, those who suffer from whiplash also suffer concussions, so if you feel dizzy, sleepy, confused or nauseous, it’s critical to seek medical attention immediately.
Your whiplash will be diagnosed through careful testing by your doctor. This may include a physical examination, X-Rays, CT scans, or other tests.
Whiplash Treatment
Whiplash usually heals on its own, but you can improve your recovery by taking care of yourself at home.
First, ice your neck as soon as possible and continue to do this every 3 to 4 hours for 20-30 minutes, for at least 2 days. This will reduce swelling and pain. Make sure to protect your skin from the cold by wrapping the ice in a towel.
After icing your neck for 2 to 3 days, apply moist heat with a wet towel or by taking a warm bath. It’s important to wait for swelling to go down before you apply heat.
In addition, take a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as ibuprofen or naproxen to reduce swelling and pain. Make sure to consult your doctor before you take these, especially if you take other medications or have other health problems. If NSAIDS are ineffective, ask your doctor about prescription painkillers or muscle relaxants. Ultrasound or massage are other medical treatments that may be helpful. Braces and collars can sometimes alleviate pain too, but only use these if they’re recommended by your doctor.
If you get in an accident and experience whiplash, seek medical attention right away. It may also be a good idea to visit a personal injury lawyer to ensure that your medical bills are covered. Consultations are typically free and a lawyer will be able to tell you whether you have a case, provide details about your rights, and help you understand what types of compensation you may be entitled to.
If you’ve experienced a whiplash injury, book a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer to understand your rights.
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