A car accident has the potential to cause many injuries, such as whiplash. This occurs when your neck is thrashed back and force, often the result of a rear-end crash.
Left undiagnosed and untreated, whiplash can cause additional health concerns in the future. Fortunately, there are a variety of treatment options available, including the following:
- Rest: For the first 24 to 48 hours, it’s typically a good idea to rest the injury. After that, too much rest can delay recovery.
- Hot and cold therapy: A heating pad and/or ice can help reduce swelling and improve range of motion.
- Pain medication: This includes both prescription and over-the-counter medications. Your medical team can help you decide which ones are best.
- Physical therapy: As you recover, physical therapy can help improve range of motion and strengthen your neck and back muscles.
- Foam collar: Using a foam collar, such as immediately after the accident, can help keep your neck still. However, using this device for too long can cause more harm than good.
While surgery is not typically required to treat whiplash, it may be necessary if there’s additional damage in your back and/or neck.
If you suffer any type of injury in a car accident, it’s critical to seek immediate medical care. This minimizes the risk of additional damage while maximizing your ability to make a full recovery.
Once you’re on the path to a full recovery, contact your insurance company and take other steps to protect your legal rights and obtain the compensation you deserve for your injuries and other damages.
