Whiplash Injury Treatment: What Should You Expect?
There were over 350,000 car crashes last year in the state of New York. This year is expected to yield the same results.
If you have been involved in a car crash in Brooklyn, there’s a good chance you have some neck pain.
Knowing what to expect will help you manage your whiplash injury treatment.
What is Whiplash?
Simply put, whiplash is a neck strain. Strains are when tendons and muscles are overstretched and torn.
You can get neck whiplash from playing sports, car accidents, or any violent hits to the head or body.
Symptoms may take a few hours to a few days to develop. Make sure a medical professional performs a thorough check after your crash.
Symptoms
Your symptoms normally show after a day, but it could take a few days to develop. Common symptoms include:
- Loss of range of motion
- Neck feels stiff
- Pain from any neck movements
- Headaches
There are lesser-known symptoms such as pain in the shoulders, memory problems, and ringing in the ears.
The bottom line is that you’ll be uncomfortable. It’s also important to see if you have other issues like a concussion or spinal problems.
Examination and Tests
Medical professionals, like a board-certified neurologist, will conduct a battery of tests and examinations to figure out the extent of your injury. Here are some of the things they will test:
- Reflexes of limbs
- Range of motion in your neck
- The pain associated with the range
- Tenderness around and near the neck
- Strength of limbs and shoulders
These tests can help a doctor diagnose and develop a treatment plan to manage pain and improve your health.
Here are some tests a physician will order to rule out more serious problems:
- MRI
- X-rays
- CT scan
The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) helps physicians see if there is soft tissue damage not visible from the outside along with spinal cord and disk problems.
The X-ray will detect fractures or dislocations covered up by the adrenaline you are probably still releasing.
A computerized tomography (CT) scan can also reveal any bone injuries or problems.
Starting Your Whiplash Injury Treatment
All treatment plans are going to be customized based on the severity of the injury and the fitness of the person involved.
The three main goals of the treatment should be restoring the range of motion, controlling pain, and returning to everyday activities.
Restoring Range of Motion
The best way to get your range of motion back is by doing exercises and recommended by your doctor. These exercises typically include the following:
- Rolling shoulders
- Tilting the head side to side
- Bending the neck forward towards the chest
- Rotating the neck in different directions
If you need assistance with your exercises, a physical therapist may be the best option going forward. They can help you with your exercises while also preventing further injury.
Controlling the Pain
Several options for pain relief exist for those who have whiplash. An experienced accident doctor will typically prescribe or recommend these options:
- Prescription pain medication
- Rest
- Over-the-counter medicine
- Muscle relaxants
- Heat or Cold applications
- Physical therapy
- Chiropractic care
Prescription pain medication and muscle relaxants will be issued by the physician for severe pain.
Your body needs rest to recover from the accident. Trying to do intense exercises will delay your healing and possibly cause further damage.
Take Care of Your Neck
A neck injury from a car accident in Brooklyn can cause considerable pain and displeasure. You can start the road to recovery with a professional whiplash injury treatment.
You can prevent further damage by seeking professional medical assistance today by contacting us at (718) 769-2521. Our doctors accept no-fault insurance, workers’ compensation, medical liens, and major medical plans.
NEW: Telemedicine Appointments are now available, call (718) 769-2521 today, and get a consultation in the comfort of your home.