Anyone who has had a whiplash injury understands how difficult living with the trauma can be. If you’ve been through this experience, you know the frustration of not knowing what to do to speed up your recovery time.
Tragically, around 800,000 reports of auto-related accidents in the United States involve neck injuries each year. Treating whiplash can cost up to $5.2 billion.
It’s imperative that you know how to treat whiplash injury and prevent it from worsening. Read on to find out what you should and shouldn’t do if you’ve recently been injured and have this injury.
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What You Should Do to Treat Whiplash
The Dos of treating whiplash pain are imperative when combatting this painful and debilitating condition. First, one should always seek medical attention from a qualified professional to assess and diagnose the extent of the injury.
A second Do is to use over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications. You can also use cold or heat therapy to reduce inflammation, muscle spasm, and pain. If a medical professional advises, gentle range of motion exercises can help restore mobility and reduce discomfort.
What Should Be Avoided When Dealing With Whiplash
When dealing with whiplash, some don’ts should be followed. Do not dismiss symptoms by attempting to tough it out or self-diagnose the condition.
Do not ignore follow-up appointments. And do not rush into undergoing any surgical treatment options without proper consultation.
One should not attempt to treat whiplash on their own by performing strenuous activities, such as weight-lifting or contact sports, until a professional clears them to do so. Nor should they try to take more medication than prescribed.
Finally, a person should not remain in bed or suffer from a lack of physical activity for an extended time to heal. The sooner a person moves and becomes active again, the sooner their whiplash therapy will yield the best result.
Following these tips and taking the proper precautions will help manage the condition and prevent further injuries.
Identifying When to Seek Medical Attention
Whiplash is a type of neck injury most often associated with car accidents but can also result from a hard hit to the head or neck. It is likely the individual will experience painful symptoms in the neck area. This includes stiffness, soreness, headaches, and even numbness or tingling in the fingers.
If these symptoms persist for longer than a few days, it is important to seek medical attention. A doctor will be able to diagnose whiplash with tests, such as a CT scan or MRI, to determine if any damage has been done to the surrounding tissues of the neck.
Treatment may include physical therapy, medications, chiropractic care, and even nerve blocks. This is to manage pain and restore movement.
If, at any point during the recovery process, the pain becomes unbearable, it is important to seek medical help. Left untreated, this type of neck injury can have long-term effects, so medical attention is important.
Treating Whiplash Correctly
In conclusion, whiplash injuries can be minor or severe but should never be treated without medical advice and input. The dos and don’ts of treating whiplash can help manage symptoms. Rest and avoid activities that could cause reinjury, apply heat and ice to reduce swelling, and take over-the-counter medications to relieve pain.
See professional medical advice if your whiplash injury is not responding to home treatment. Don’t delay; make your appointment with a medical professional today!
Take care of yourself at every age. If you are looking for other health tips, check back with our blog often.
