A whiplash injury is one of the most common injuries after a car accident. This is caused by a quick and forceful head movement in one direction, usually after a strong force like a sudden brake or impact.
If you get into a car crash, a whiplash injury is one of the injuries you might get. The common symptoms include neck pain, dizziness, and shoulder and neck aches. Their severity varies, and some only experience minor ones. But those who get worse symptoms continue suffering from them even during the recovery stage.Â
With that in mind, it’s essential to learn what can be done to speed up your recovery so you can walk out of this experience without dire long-term effects.
Better whiplash recovery can be achieved after observing the following steps.Â
1. Hire A Law FirmÂ
How does hiring legal professionals like Loewy Law Firm, among others, fit into this equation? Â
It’s actually a critical step to your recovery as a whole. Whiplash injuries usually result from a heavy blow to the neck and head area in a car accident. And that often occurs due to another driver’s negligence. If that’s the case, dealing with legal matters is unavoidable.
A large chunk of the recovery process involves paying for various treatments. Such expenses can strain your budget, which is something you want to avoid after having to think about fixing your car.Â
It’s a good thing getting compensation through a personal injury claim can get you the money you need. It can provide financial relief from medical expenses and other losses like economic damages due to the inability to work.Â
Hiring a law firm to aid you in this process is essential. Good ones let you know your rights and fight for you to receive the best possible settlements. That way, you can focus on all other aspects of recovery while leaving legal matters in a professional lawyer’s hands.
2. Go Through A Medical ExaminationÂ
Immediately after the accident, you must seek medical attention immediately. Get to a nearby emergency ward or have someone call an ambulance. Many of the injuries you get may not seem apparent for a moment due to shock or confusion, so you need professionals to check for possible internal damage. This includes whiplash.Â
During the medical examination, your doctor will ask questions about the event and your accompanying symptoms. They may run a battery of tests to understand your symptoms’ severity and provide the appropriate treatments.
Your doctor may ask you to move and perform simple tasks to check the following:Â
- Reflexes, sensation, and strength in your limbsÂ
- Range of motion in your shoulders and neck
- Tenderness in your back, shoulders, and neck
After the initial medical exam, your doctor will know how to proceed with the appropriate treatment plan. As soon as you leave the doctor’s office, it’s now on your hands to be diligent enough to follow through. Keep them on your speed dial for questions and any immediate concerns.Â
3. Take Medicines Exactly As PrescribedÂ
Whatever medicines your doctor prescribes, take them exactly as directed. Most medication regimens only entail pain management. Your doctor may prescribe more potent pain relievers and muscle relaxants in severe cases, while over-the-counter medicines will do in minor cases.Â
On that note, if you need to purchase over-the-counter medicines, it helps to ask your doctor which is best. Never take two different pain relievers in one go. Otherwise, you risk overdosing or getting harmful drug interactions.
4. RestÂ
The appropriate amount of rest depends on your case. Resting for a day or two is usually necessary. But staying bedridden for too long also hampers recovery.Â
After two days of resting, try slowly getting back to your usual routine. Don’t rush or push yourself if the pain or spasms flare up. Getting your back, neck, arms, and head used to a bit of movement here and there is enough to ‘train’ it back to its proper function.Â
5. Support Your NeckÂ
You can use a soft foam collar to support your neck with your doctor’s permission. However, like resting, this should be worn only for two to three days. Any longer than that should come as their recommendation.
Recover The Right Way
While this guide doesn’t cover every specific instance of a whiplash injury, it should help you understand what steps to take to recover well. Nothing beats a physical examination done by a doctor, so make it a crucial step for a successful recovery. Never self-diagnose!
Contact the experts for the best possible outcomes for everything else, like getting compensation for a work-related or vehicular accident.
