Whiplash after a car accident can be treated with over-the-counter remedies. Physical therapy or chiropractic care is often helpful when symptoms continue.
Common treatments include:
Medications. Initially, over-the-counter medications may be sufficient to treat the pain associated with whiplash. At times, patients may require prescription medications to deal with the pain.
Heat or ice. Treatments like heat and ice should be applied to the neck for the first few weeks after a mild whiplash injury.
Muscle relaxants. Taking muscle relaxants can help whiplash victims manage pain and treat insomnia.
Injections. People who suffer from whiplash may also be treated with epidural steroid injections, which are more effective when combined with an exercise or physical therapy program to build strength in the neck muscles. The injection is applied to the epidural space, the area around the membrane that covers the spine and nerve roots.
Physical therapy. Many people who suffer from whiplash will undergo a course of physical therapy. Physical therapy strengthens the injured muscles and tendons.
Wearing a foam collar. In some cases, doctors will prescribe a foam collar to stabilize the neck. The collar should only be worn a few hours a day.
Depending on the severity of your neck injury, more tests may be required. For example, if you’re experiencing abnormal sensations or tingling, nerve damage may be present.
A Virginia personal injury lawyer can advise you on what to do if you suffer a whiplash injury. Insurance companies typically lowball accident victims by offering them less than what they are actually entitled to. To be certain you receive an accurate estimation of your case value, you should speak to a whiplash accident attorney as soon as possible.