Whiplash is the most common injury sustained in a car accident. In fact, people involved in minor fender-benders where the vehicle was only going 5 mph have documented whiplash injuries. In a nutshell, whiplash is a soft tissue sprain or strain injury to the structures within the neck as a result of excessive flexion or extension of the neck during a motor vehicle accident. The most common symptoms of whiplash include:
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Neck tenderness, stiffness, achiness, pain
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Reduced range of motion of the neck
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Shoulder pain
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Blurred vision
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Hand and finger numbness, tingling, pain
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Muscle-tension and migraine headaches
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Muscle spasms in the neck region
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Difficulty swallowing
If you experience any of these symptoms after being involved in a car accident, you should consult with your doctor. If you are not able to see your doctor right away, here are a few things you can do to manage your whiplash:
Call A Car Accident Lawyer
You should call an attorney as soon as possible so you will have legal representation from the get-go. The lawyer will advise you of your legal rights as an accident victim. You can then choose the appropriate course of action, such as suing the driver at fault, putting in an insurance claim, or asking for a settlement. The car accident lawyer will also discuss such things as the importance of keeping copies of your medical records, police records, and documenting your healing process. This information can be beneficial in a legal case, and can also help your doctors treat you properly. When you don't have to worry about the legalities of being in a car accident, you will have less stress and will be better able to focus on your recovery.
Take Over-The-Counter Pain Medication
Reduce or minimize your pain by taking over-the-counter pain medication. Advil, Tylenol, Aleve, or other such medications will work. Follow the dosage amount indicated on the bottle. Each type of pain medication will have different dosage amounts.
Stay Active And Retain Daily Activities
While you may want to rest on the couch and restrict your neck movement, this isn't the best idea. Restricting your neck movements can cause your neck muscles to stiffen up and can cause further injury. Remember that it's okay to feel some mild discomfort and pain during your recovery period, and that pain doesn't equal further injury. The key is to start out slow and don't overdo it. If the pain levels get too high, then reduce your activities or take a short rest.
Do Neck Exercises On A Regular Basis
There are several exercises you can do that will help heal your neck injury quicker.
To Improve Range Of Motion In Your Neck:
1. Sit in a chair with a straight back and place your feet flat on the floor. Extend your neck straight up, as if you were balancing a book on your head. Look straight ahead.
2. Slowly turn your head to the right as far as you can.
3. Slowly turn your head back to the center.
4. Slowly turn your head to the left as far as you can.
5. Slowly turn your head back to the center.
Repeat this movement 5 to 10 times.
1. Still sitting in the straight-back chair with your feet flat on the ground, slowly move your chin down to your chest, just like you are nodding yes. Hold your chin down for about 10 seconds.
2. Slowly tilt your head to the right.
3. Slowly tilt your head to the left.
4. Return to the starting position.
Repeat this movement 5 to 10 times.
To Strengthen Your Neck:
1. Sit in a chair with a straight back and place your feet flat on the floor. Place your right hand against your right cheek. Contract your neck muscles as if you are trying to touch your ear to your shoulder, but provide resistance with your hand so you don't actually move your head.
2. Stop the muscle contractions and place your left hand against your left cheek. Repeat the same muscle contraction on the left side of your neck.
Repeat this movement about 10 times on each side.
1. Sit in a chair with a straight back and place your feet flat on the floor. Place your right hand against your right cheek. This time, contract your neck muscles as if you are trying to look over your shoulder, but provide resistance with your hand so you don't actually move your head.
2. Stop the muscle contractions and place your left hand against your left cheek. Repeat the same muscle contraction on the left side of your neck.
Repeat this movement about 10 times on each side.
You can expect all neck pain to go away within a few weeks to a couple months, depending on the severity of your whiplash injury. Half of all whiplash patients can fully resume normal activities within a month, even though they may not be fully recovered. There is only a small percentage of people who can't return to work or resume their normal functions within a year, and these people typically have other issues going on in addition to whiplash, such as other medical problems in the neck, or social or psychological factors.
If you have been in a car accident and have whiplash, call your local attorney. He or she can help you get the compensation you deserve for this injury.
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