Car accidents are one of the leading causes of injuries and preventable death in the United States. There are many different ways that an individual may suffer an injury in a car accident, but one of the most common car accident injuries is whiplash. Whiplash occurs when an individual’s neck is extended and retracted suddenly, causing the cervical vertebrae to suffer hyperflexion.
In the immediate aftermath of a car accident, the accident’s victims may not be fully aware of the damage they have suffered. This is particularly true of injuries such as whiplash, which often doesn’t begin to show signs until the next day. Taking the right steps during this period and the immediate aftermath is the best way to ensure that recovery from whiplash is a simple process. The following are some of the most common tips for recovering from whiplash:
- Medical treatment – a doctor treating a patient for whiplash may prescribe prescription painkillers or muscle relaxants to help ease the physical pain that the victim may be feeling
- Physical therapy – whiplash victims can use physical therapy tools such as ice or hot packs on their necks to help ease their symptoms
- Rest – it’s usually advisable to avoid strenuous physical activity for at least a week following any type of whiplash injury, regardless of severity
In most cases, whiplash is a relatively minor injury that causes little more than temporary pain and stiffness in the neck. However, at times, it can be more severe, with potentially serious consequences for the victim. In these circumstances, it may be necessary to take legal action to get the compensation necessary to cover the resulting costs of the injury. Talk to a personal injury lawyer if you have suffered whiplash in a car accident to learn more about what you can do in this situation.
