If you’ve been in a car accident where your head and neck are shaken severely, you’re probably wondering how to treat whiplash. If you’re not sure where to turn, read this article for information on the different treatment options, long-term effects, and cost. It may help you decide which treatment is best for you. There are several ways to treat whiplash.
After treatment you may want to weigh your options for legal action. Discussing this with a good car accident lawyer or personal injury attorney can go a long way.
Treatment options
Various treatment options exist for whiplash injuries, which can result from a car crash. Physical therapy is one way to relieve symptoms and reduce pain. Pain medications and gentle heat can also help. Joint injections containing steroid medication and nerve blocks can also help. A cervical facet joint injury may require surgery. Treatment options for whiplash injuries are important for recovery, especially when you have neurological symptoms. Depending on the severity of the injury, physical therapy or nerve blocks may be required.
While the severity of a person’s whiplash injury will determine the type of treatment, most people can get relief from simple self-care measures. Pain medication and heat or cold therapy can help to reduce discomfort and limit movement. Nonprescription anti-inflammatory medications can also provide pain relief. Self-care can also help to minimize the need for expensive medical treatment. A physician can recommend physical therapy for whiplash victims who cannot tolerate the pain.
Long-term effects
In a severe automobile accident, a person may sustain a whiplash injury. The forceful snapping motion of a collision can cause damage to the neck and the structures within. Although most commonly associated with car accidents, whiplash injuries can also occur from sports activities, sudden turns, or other causes. The pain associated with whiplash can be ongoing, and severe cases can result in permanent disability. In addition, a whiplash injury can also cause neurological symptoms, such as confusion, weakness, or nausea.
In some cases, the pain can become chronic and prevent a person from doing most of his or her previous activities. This condition can even result in long-term disability and near-constant pain management. Even a small injury can cause life-long problems for a person, which is why wearing a seatbelt is essential. Furthermore, it’s important to seek medical attention after a car accident, so that your doctor can evaluate your condition and recommend the best course of action.
Cost
The cost of treating whiplash injuries in car accidents is estimated at $29 billion per year. The injuries can be incredibly painful and emotionally devastating, and are best handled by the responsible party. To collect the maximum compensation, the injured person must prove that the other driver was negligent and caused the crash. Most cases result from rear-end collisions. While whiplash claims can range anywhere from $2,500 to $10,000, they can reach much higher amounts if the other driver is liable.
Treatment for whiplash injuries usually requires a few weeks of rest, pain medications, and physical therapy. However, in some cases, the symptoms can last a long time. A chronic condition may also delay recovery. Pain may radiate from the neck to the shoulders or into the upper back. The pain can be intense or thorough in nature, and a cervical collar may be needed. Depending on the severity of the condition, the injured party may be able to recover on their own.
Symptoms
A person’s head is thrust forward and backward during a car accident. The seatbelt restrains the body, but the head whips forward, causing significant injury to the soft tissues in the front and back of the neck. In a car accident, the head and neck often whip forward and back simultaneously. While most whiplash victims experience immediate pain and symptoms, some may continue to experience these symptoms for days or weeks.
Common symptoms of whiplash injury include neck pain, numbness, and stiffness, resulting from strained or sprained neck muscles. Neck pain may be constant and worsen with movement, making it difficult to turn one’s head and move it. Although symptoms may go away on their own over time, one-third of victims experience continued pain, often mild, and may require minor treatment.
