Whiplash is one of the most common types of injuries that victims sustain in motor vehicle accidents. If you were critically injured in a car accident, understanding your healthcare provider’s diagnosis and treatment can help you heal from the trauma of your injuries and build your case against the liable party.
Whiplash diagnosis and treatment after a car accident can have a profound impact on your ability to recover the compensation you deserve. Here is more about how whiplash is diagnosed and the possible treatment options your healthcare provider may recommend depending on the severity of your injuries and the circumstances of your case.
Diagnosing Whiplash
It is crucial to obtain medical treatment after being involved in a collision. An untreated whiplash injury could lead to ongoing pain and possible nerve damage, according to the Mayo Clinic. To diagnose your whiplash injury, your doctor will need to carefully evaluate your arms, neck, and head. They will be checking for your range and degree of motion, the strength in your limbs, your reflexes, and whether you are experiencing any pain or tenderness in your back, neck, or shoulders.
They may order diagnostic testing to evaluate your personal injuries further. Some of the different types of imaging tests that could be used to detect whiplash include:
- CT scans
- MRIs
- X-rays
How to Treat Whiplash
It is essential to begin treatment for your whiplash injury as soon as possible before it turns into a catastrophic injury. There are several potential treatment options that may be appropriate depending on the severity of your neck injury, your range of motion, and your pain levels. According to the Cleveland Clinic, your doctor may offer pain management options, such as:
- Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen
- Prescription drugs to relieve nerve pain
- Hot or cold therapy
- Use of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
- Numbing shots
- Use of foam collars
- Bedrest
- Use of muscle relaxants
Next, they may recommend completing home exercises. These can help you regain functionality, mobility, and restore your range of motion. Your physician may recommend shoulder rolls, neck bends, head tilts, or neck rotations. However, home stretching and movement may not be enough to help you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI). Additional treatment with physical or occupational therapy may also be well advised.
Your physical therapist can help you restore movement and strengthen your muscles. When you regain your range of motion, you may find it easier to complete daily living tasks and head back to work. However, do not be surprised if you experience pain or limited range of motion after suffering a whiplash injury. Some people report continued symptoms years after the accident.
Your Whiplash Injury May Continue to Affect Your Life for Years to Come
Although whiplash may seem like it is a minor injury, the truth is that the impact of your whiplash injury may continue to affect your life for years to come. Although many personal injury victims find their symptoms resolved with medical treatment and care, others will continue to deal with excruciating pain and muscle weakness that makes it difficult or impossible for them to live their lives normally. For this reason, it is important to consider the future impact your whiplash injury may have on your life as you pursue compensation from the individual or entity who caused your car accident.