Whiplash is an injury to the neck that is caused by a rapid forward and backward motion. It is a common condition to experience from motor vehicular accidents, whether the impact was severe or not. It tends to cause bone and tissue damage on the neck area that needs treatment.
Although this injury usually heals on its own through time, there are times that it can be bothersome. Here are several ways to help you recover.
1. Move your neck
Although agonizing at first, keeping your neck mobile actually speeds up the recovery process. Incorporating gentle neck movements up to the point of your pain tolerance are actually good.
Experts advise not to use a collar or a brace and, instead, carry on doing normal activities. Staying in the same position for long hours is usually avoided, as it may cause stiffness to the neck muscles.
2. Self-Care
On the first few days of the injury, an ice pack is recommended for at least 10 minutes a day to reduce the pain and swelling in the area. Later on, hot compresses work well in keeping pain minimal. Use a firm pillow for support and always maintain a good posture at all times.
3. Medications
Over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen and paracetamol are recommended. It is advisable to consult your doctor before taking any of these drugs. Take note that there are several drug interactions and side effects with these medications.
4. Physiotherapy
If the symptoms continue on for several weeks, you can be referred for physiotherapy. A physiotherapist evaluates, assesses, and treats a broad range of conditions to prevent disability and help restore function. They can perform gentle manipulation, carry out neck exercises and massage.
5. Long Term Injury
There are several instances where whiplash may last for more than 6 months, and at a that point it can be considered chronic. Talk to your physician about the management of your condition. You may be advised to seek out hospital pain services or psychological behavioral therapy for support.
Suffering a whiplash injury is no easy feat. It can be painful and can be very uncomfortable at times. Seek help from a medical professional as soon as possible and get law office consulting for your injuries. Acting as your legal counsel, your personal injury attorney will represent you if you have a valid claim for an insurance settlement from your injury. Visit a site like http://brittattorney.com/ for more help.
Share7 September 2017
It can be hard to know what to do to protect yourself legally in the immediate aftermath of a car accident. You’re liable to be disoriented or in shock, you may be injured, and you’re surely worried about your passenger or the other driver. At least, that’s how I felt. The thing is, the things you say and do in the immediate aftermath of an accident may affect a legal case later. Depending on who’s at fault and what the laws are in your state, you may want to sue the other driver for damages, or you may find yourself being sued. My blog is designed to give you tips for a car accident lawsuit, no matter which side you find yourself on.