4 mistakes to avoid if you suffer from whiplash

4 mistakes to avoid if you suffer from whiplash

Whiplash is a common injury that occurs when a person’s neck is rapidly and violently jolted forward and backward, as can happen in a car accident. The sudden movement can cause damage to the soft tissues in the neck, including the muscles, tendons, and ligaments. The injury can be mild or severe, and you may not realise you have experienced it until a few hours or days later. Unfortunately, people often neglect treatment due to the delay in symptoms. They may take some meds and hope the pain goes away, but this is a huge mistake, as an injury to the neck can lead to severe pain and affect daily living.

What are the most common symptoms of whiplash?

If whiplash is severe or you don’t treat the symptoms on time, the effects can be painful and long-lasting. Here are the most common symptoms of chronic whiplash:

• Dizziness;
• Jaw pain;
• Hoarseness;
• Irritability;
• Blurred vision;
• Difficulty sleeping;
• Weakness or numbness in the arms and legs;
• Ringing in the ears;
• Frequent and severe headaches.

Can you claim compensation if you suffer from whiplash due to a car accident?

The short answer is yes! You can – and should - claim compensation for whiplash, as this will help you cover costs for medical treatment or time off work. The amount of compensation you can get varies depending on different factors, such as the severity of your injury and the length of your suffering. You can use a whiplash compensation calculator to determine how much pay out you may receive based on your own circumstance. It’s vital to claim compensation for your injury as early as possible after the accident, as it may take some time to complete the process.

What should you not do if you suffer from whiplash?

When people don’t ask questions to a chiropractor regarding their injury, they make mistakes that worsen their pain, increasing the amount of time they need for recovery. That said, here is what you should NOT do if you suffer from whiplash.

Drive

Safety should always be a top priority, especially when it comes to driving. If you are experiencing neck pain or stiffness after a car accident, it’s vital to wait until you are fully healed before getting back behind the wheel. Since you have limited mobility in your neck, it is difficult to see the road or react to sudden traffic changes. Moreover, whiplash causes major pain, especially in the neck and shoulders, making driving uncomfortable and affecting your concentration. This can increase the risk of further injury and slow down the healing process. Hence, the best thing you can do is look for alternative transportation options, such as ridesharing or public transportation. If necessary, consider taking time off work until you are fully healed.

Return to your daily routine too early

Seeking professional help after a car accident is vital for ensuring a smooth and effective recovery from whiplash. Your healthcare provider can help you figure out what activities you can return to and when, considering the severity of your injury and your healing progress. It is vital to strike a balance between giving your body time to heal and staying active, as both can improve your symptoms and speed up your recovery. Overdoing it too soon can worsen your symptoms and delay your recovery while avoiding physical activity altogether can lead to stiff and weakened muscles that may take longer to heal. Seek the help of a chiropractor and follow their advice to ensure a safe and effective recovery from whiplash. They will provide a customised treatment plan to help you manage your symptoms and heal as comfortably as possible. This plan can include manual adjustments to the neck, physical therapy, and exercises to help improve the range of motion and reduce pain.

Lying in bed for too long

Too much rest can actually delay the recovery process. While you should give your body time to heal, engaging in physical activity and gentle exercises is vital to help improve your neck mobility and reduce stiffness. Lying down for prolonged periods can decrease circulation and lead to muscle weakness, worsening your symptoms. Inactivity can also lead to the development of compensatory movements, further straining the neck and making it more difficult to heal. It’s normal to need some downtime – especially in the first 48-72 hours, considering that you’ve suffered injury; however, you shouldn’t take it too far. Your chiropractor can work with you to design a physical therapy program that will help you manage your symptoms, decrease pain and stiffness and improve your neck’s strength and flexibility. This may include exercises to improve range of motion and neck stretches. Moreover, they may also recommend using ice therapy and heat, massage, and other forms of manual therapy to help manage pain and promote healing.

Not seeking treatment right away

Some people may experience mild cases of whiplash that can resolve on their own within a few days or weeks, especially if they take steps to manage their symptoms, such as over-counter medication. But in many cases, whiplash can become a chronic condition that persists for months or even years if untreated. Chronic whiplash can cause long-term pain, discomfort, and a range of other symptoms, like neck pain, headaches, stiffness, dizziness, blurred vision, and memory and concentration issues. While whiplash may go away on its own in some cases, it is best to seek help from a chiropractor, as doing this can speed up the healing process and help you get relief from your symptoms. They will evaluate you through a CT scan, x-ray or MRI to determine the extent of your injuries. After performing a detailed exam, your chiropractor will create a treatment plan which may include conservative healing therapies like ultrasound, chiropractic massage, and rehabilitation exercises. Obviously, keeping your health in overall good condition is also vital, as this can help speed up the healing process. Here are some things you can do:

• Engage in moderate physical activity;
• Avoid smoking;
• Eat a healthy diet;
• Perform regular health check-ups;
• Get annual flu vaccinations, etc.

The bottom line

If you suffer from whiplash, it is vital to focus on your recovery by seeking medical attention and following your doctor’s recommendations. Physical therapy and chiropractic care can be very efficient in managing symptoms, but you should also make choices that promote healing, such as exercising moderately and eating plant-based meals. You should avoid driving, resting in bed for a prolonged period, and returning to your daily routine immediately, as these things can worsen your injury.