After a recent car accident, you wonder if the smallest ache or pain may signal an injury caused by the impact. Lately, you noticed neck twinges and stiffness. Could you have whiplash from the collision?
Mayo Clinic breaks down options for identifying and addressing whiplash. You may have a personal injury case against the responsible driver and not yet realize it.
Diagnosis methods
To determine if you have whiplash, a physician may ask you about the car accident and any other symptoms you experience. Prepare to demonstrate how your stiffness and twinges affect your range of motion and ability to carry out day-to-day tasks.
Medical professionals may physically examine you, which may involve checking limb sensation and reflexes, gauging motions that lead to discomfort and determining whether you have tenderness in your neck or shoulders.
Treatment methods
If your doctor confirms you have whiplash, your treatment options depend on the severity of the injury. Resting may alleviate the injury, but you may need to supplement that with over-the-counter pain medication and alternating hot and cold compresses. For more intense whiplash, you could receive a prescription for antidepressant medication or muscle relaxants to address your pain and muscle tension.
Besides managing your pain, a medical professional may recommend a series of exercises that ease you back into your normal range of motion. Examples of such exercises include shoulder rolls, neck rotations, neck bends and head tilts. For chronic pain, talk to your physician about physical therapy.
Car accident injuries require prompt diagnosis and treatment. If you have a personal injury case, you cannot afford to waste time.