Do you have a sudden, pain in your neck and head, or is your neck unstable to move? You may be suffering from a whiplash injury.
Around 2 million Americans are victims of whiplash every year. It’s a soft tissue injury to the neck muscles and ligaments. These injuries cause harm to your overall health and need the help of a whiplash doctor.
But don’t worry, we’ll tell you what you should do when you suffer from a whiplash injury. Read further to know more.
Rest
After a whiplash injury, it is important to rest in order to avoid any further consequences of whiplash. Rest for several days after the initial injury. This will allow the tissue time to heal. Most whiplash injuries can be resolved within 6-8 weeks.
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During this time, you should avoid physical activities that could cause pain. This includes lifting heavy objects, or any type of exercise. If the pain persists, speak to your healthcare provider.
Apply Hot or Cold Packs
Applying hot and cold packs can be very beneficial for reducing inflammation, stiffness, and pain associated with whiplash. Ice packs should be used within 24-48 hours after the injury. Heat packs should be applied at least 48 hours after the injury has occurred.
Ensure that you wrap the ice pack or heat pack in a towel so that it does not come into direct contact with your skin. Heat and cold can help to reduce swelling and pain. It also alleviates discomfort related to whiplash.
This will likely speed up the healing process. It is advised to alternate between heat treatments and cold treatments for the best result.
Use Over-The-counter Pain Medications
Over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen may be able to provide some relief. However, these medications should only be taken for a short period of time.
It is important to contact a medical provider to get a more accurate diagnosis and to discuss whiplash treatment options such as physical therapy or medications. Additionally, if your pain persists for more than a couple of days, it is best to speak to a doctor and they can provide further evaluation to help treat your whiplash injury.
See a Doctor as Soon as Possible
If you have a whiplash injury due to an auto accident, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible for proper treatment and advice. A doctor can assess the severity of the injury.
This could include pain management, physical therapy, rest, and massage. Your doctor may suggest imaging tests such as X-rays or an MRI. This will ensure there is no damage to the spinal cord, ligaments, or other areas of the neck.
Whiplash can be debilitating and cause chronic pain. So prompt medical attention is essential to properly treat the problem and return you back to a state of optimal health.
If the injury was caused by any type of accident due to someone’s negligence, make sure to read about statute of limitations so you can get your doctor’s fees and treatment covered. Depending on the state where the accident occurred, there may be a specific period of time when a legal claim must be filed.
Learn How to Handle a Whiplash Injury
With a whiplash injury, it is important to seek medical attention right away. Rest and seek physical therapy to help with the healing process. Avoid activities that aggravate your neck pain and take medications if necessary.
Following these steps will help alleviate a whiplash injury. If you have been in an auto accident and are experiencing whiplash-like symptoms, contact a medical professional right away for assistance.
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