How to Treat Whiplash After a Car Accident

Car accidents may result in an array of injuries, including whiplash. Oftentimes, Ohio drivers may not realize they have whiplash until symptoms worsen or they do something to aggravate the injury. If you’ve been in a car accident, it may be a good idea to seek medical attention immediately. You may be suffering from serious injuries like whiplash without realizing it right away.

The first step to understanding whiplash treatment is knowing what it is, its cause and its symptoms.

What Is Whiplash? 

Whiplash occurs when a sudden impact to the body forces the head to whip rapidly backwards and forwards. This violent motion causes the neck’s soft tissues, muscles and ligaments to extend farther than their typical range of motion. While whiplash is considered a mild injury, it can lead to chronic pain and discomfort.

What Causes Whiplash? 

The most common cause for a whiplash injury is a rear-end auto accident but it can also by something like a sports injury, physical abuse or amusement park rides. People who play contact sports like football or boxing, go horseback riding or are avid cyclists are at risk of whiplash. Even a blow to the head or a severe fall can cause whiplash.

What Are the Symptoms of Whiplash? 

Whiplash symptoms can develop within 24 hours or potentially even days after a car accident and last for several weeks. More serious cases of whiplash may result in chronic symptoms that last years after the initial accident.

Common whiplash injuries include: 

• Headaches (usually starting at the base of the skull) 
• Neck pain and stiffness 
• Blurred vision 
• Dizziness 
• Fatigue 
• Tenderness in the shoulders 
• Numbness or tingling in the arms

More severe symptoms may include:

• Trouble concentrating
• Memory problems
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
• Depression
• Irritability

When Should You See a Doctor?

The onset of symptoms from car accident-related injuries can take hours or days to appear. Immediately after an accident, the body releases hormones (adrenaline and cortisol) to help prevent pain during an emergency situation. Once those hormones wear off, pain can begin to surface and reveal areas in the body that might have sustained injuries.

If you’ve been in a car accident, it’s critical that you see a doctor or go to the emergency room right away. They can accurately diagnose potential conditions, including whiplash, and rule out any traumatic or life-threatening injuries.

Seeking medical attention right after a car accident may also be beneficial if and when you file an insurance claim. You may have trouble receiving the compensation you deserve if you delay medical care, especially if the delay raises questions about the source or severity of your injuries.

If you have questions about filing a claim for a whiplash injury, you may benefit from speaking with a car accident lawyer in Ohio to discuss your claim.

How Is Whiplash Treated?

A doctor will typically prescribe over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications like acetaminophen or aspirin and recommend applying ice or heat to the affected area. Particularly bad cases of whiplash may require physical therapy or strengthening exercises.

Alternative treatment methods may include chiropractic care, massage, acupuncture or electrical nerve stimulation. Consult your doctor for a personalized treatment plan.

Injured in a Car Accident? Get Legal Representation from an Ohio Attorney

Aside from seeking medical care, it may be beneficial to schedule a consultation with a car accident attorney within one week following your accident. Your insurance company will likely begin investigating your claim as soon as you file. Hiring a lawyer to represent you in negotiations or perform their own investigation of your accident can be an effective way to protect your rights and interests.

At the Buckeye Law Group Inc., our team of Ohio car accident attorneys will negotiate with your insurance company to ensure you receive the compensation you need to treat your accident-related injuries. While whiplash can heal on its own with proper care and rest, it can also lead to chronic conditions that can drive up your medical bills in the future.

Our attorneys are committed to helping you get all the medical treatments necessary for your whiplash injury. Request a free personal injury consultation today by calling 1-800-411-PAIN.