If you were in a car accident and suffered a whiplash injury, this is something that you need to take seriously. Some symptoms of whiplash can take weeks or even months to manifest. Not feeling pain is not an indication that something is not wrong. Therefore, it is easy to think you are not really injured immediately following the accident.
As the most common neck injury, whiplash is caused by a sudden head movement that occurs either forward, backward or sideways. The result of this occurrence damages connective tissues such as ligaments and muscles that support the neck and upper back.
Unfortunately, some of the damage may become permanent by the time you begin experiencing more serious complications. There are numerous studies that show years after settling insurance claims, many victims state they still suffer from symptoms.
Refer To Our Pain Management Dr. Phillips Office
Being in a car accident of any kind is not the time to dismiss what could cause serious conditions later. You should contact Innovative Pain Solutions before erroneously assuming you came away from the accident unscathed. Pain management in Dr. Phillips office will keep you on the road to recovery.
Symptoms of Whiplash
Pain after whiplash is not something you can ignore or easily move past. Besides the pain, you may also experience:
• Headaches that start at the base of your skull and move to your forehead
• Knotted or hard feeling in muscles
• Decrease in your range of motion
• Difficulty and pain when rocking head backward and forward or side to side
• Tenderness
• Tightness in your neck
Treatments for Whiplash
You can receive treatment for whiplash at Innovative Pain Solutions no matter how severe. Treatment typically varies based on the severity of your injuries. Basic treatment can begin with:
• Ice applied to injured area to reduce pain and swelling that you are experiencing. This should begin soon after the injury and continue for at least two or three days.
• Moist heat can be applied once the initial swelling goes down. Applying a warm wet towel to your neck and taking warm baths to soothe muscles can help.
• A brace to support your neck when the injury is severe
• Pain relievers are also recommended. Most doctors suggest non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. When pain and swelling is severe, you may need prescription medication.
Depending on the extent of the injuries to your muscles, ligaments, and tendons, recovery can take a few days or longer. The longer you are on medication, receiving pain management in Dr. Phillips care can help you reach full recovery without major setbacks.
Continued Pain after Being Treated for Whiplash
If two months have passed and you are still in pain, your doctor may need to refer you to a facility like Innovative Pain Solutions. Here, you will see a pain specialist who will perform a comprehensive evaluation. Information gathered may require further tests and treatments to resolve any ongoing medical problems that you are having.
In some cases, whiplash can cause microscopic damage to your joints and spine. Medications such as injections and physical therapy might be necessary before your condition is completely healed.
There are many options related to a car accident for pain management in Dr. Phillips care. If you have suffered recent trauma from whiplash, let use help you recover and continue to lead a full life. Contact us today to set up an appointment.
