How To Treat Whiplash.
If you are unfortunate enough to be involved in a road traffic accident, as it is thought that most of us will be at least one time in our lives, then it can be a very traumatic experience. It can be very emotionally damaging and can put people off driving for life in extreme cases. In lesser cases, people can become very nervous when faced with driving again meaning that they may be prone to dangerous and silly mistakes. When a person becomes physically injured as a result of a car accident, then this can be emotionally draining not to mention very painful and frustrating.
The most common injury associated with road traffic accidents is whiplash. Whiplash occurs when a person is involved in a collision- most commonly a rear-end collision- which causes rapid movement of the head and necks. This sudden movement then results in trauma to the neck muscles and ligaments. Whiplash can vary in severity, and some people may only take a few weeks to recover, whilst others may become severely and permanently disabled as a result. There is a wide variation in symptoms relating to whiplash, and this has led to the suggestion that, in many cases, whiplash is no so much a real physiological injury, but that symptoms are created as a result of potential economic gain. This is unfortunate as there as some people who are really suffering with the symptoms of whiplash are sometimes perceived in a negative light due to the fraudulent behaviour of others who are in it to make money. Unfortunately, there will always be people who are willing to attempt to mislead the system for personal gain, but this should not take away from the seriousness and the reality of a real condition with real symptoms.
Pain from whiplash can be chronic and even partially disabling. It can also be difficult to relieve. You should not ignore whiplash if it persists for more than a week. In this case it is always advisable to seek professional medical advice and treatment. If you are trying to ease the pain yourself, then taking an analgesic like aspirin, acetaminophen or ibuprofen will help initially. The pain that you experience as a result of whiplash is often the result of inflammation of the muscles and ligaments that support the neck. Sometimes an over-the-counter pain relief will provide quite helpful in easing the pain if your symptoms are relatively mild.
You may find it beneficial to apply a cold compress or ice to the neck and shoulders to reduce the inflammation of the ligaments and muscles. You should apply the ice on and off for 20 minute intervals in the first 24 hours after injury. You should ensure that you do not apply the ice directly onto the skin, instead wrap it in a towel or something similar.
Where possible it is beneficial to maintain good posture after your accident. It will not help your symptoms if you slump or scrunch your shoulders or neck, it may even make them worse. You should also avoid doing any type of movement that would aggravate the already inflamed neck muscles. Repeatedly straining or stretching the neck area will only cause you more pain, so it is best to rest in an upright position where possible. Resting will protect the injured muscle or ligament from further injury and gives your body a chance to repair itself.
If your injury is severe then it may be advisable to visit your doctor to have a steroid injection into your neck to speed up your recovery. It is always advisable seek professional advice on the most effective way that you may recover. If the damage is so severe that you are unable to hold your head up, your doctor may suggest that you wear a soft, cervical collar for added support for your neck. This will stop any unnecessary pressure being put on the damaged muscles and ligaments.
You may need to undergo physical therapy to strengthen the neck muscles if the damage was severe. In making your neck muscles stronger, they will be less prone to inflammation and further damage.
Whiplash can be a very frustrating condition that can temporarily stop you from going about your everyday life. You may not be able to drive or go to work, and this could result in a loss of earnings. If you have been involved in a road traffic accident that was not your fault and you have been injured then you may have a case to make a claim for compensation. The compensation will cover any loss of earnings, emotional and physical suffering and any added medical bills. If you think that you have a case to claim then contact Accident Consult for more information.
Tags: car accident, extreme cases, money, neck muscles, rear end, road traffic accident, road traffic accidents, seriousness, severity, trauma, traumatic experience, variation, whiplash |
