Chances are, we all have experienced, or know someone, who has experienced whiplash. Whiplash can happen in a variety of situations, but most often occurs due to a fender bender or more serious accident. Though other injuries, like a concussion, laceration, or break, will be treated first, whiplash can have long-lasting consequences. That is why you need to know what whiplash is, how to spot whiplash, and most importantly, how to treat it.
What is Whiplash?
Whiplash is most commonly associated with rear-end car accidents, though they can happen in a variety of situations. What stays the same, however, is the pain, stiffness, and even headaches that come from having whiplash. These symptoms don’t have to be immediate, either, and can take hours or even days to emerge.
Without the proper treatment, you can suffer from prolonged and ongoing pain for years to come.
How Can You Get Whiplash?
You can get whiplash following a car accident and in any situation where your head whips backward after being subjected to velocity. If you are running and get clothes-lined, this can cause abdominal pain and whiplash in extreme circumstances. Bungee jumping is another instance where you might experience whiplash. In some cases, you might even feel whiplash symptoms after a roller coaster. Minor whiplash symptoms typically go away on their own without issue, but if the accident in question was severe, it could cause tissue damage.
How Do You Treat Whiplash?
You will always want to visit a doctor if you have whiplash, not because whiplash itself is pressing in terms of danger, but because most who suffer from whiplash also suffer from a concussion.
If it has been ruled out that you do not have a concussion, you can try these at-home remedies:
- Icing Your Neck
- Anti-Inflammatory Pain Killers
- Neck Brace
If these at-home treatments don’t make your whiplash symptoms go away, then it is time to seek out professional help.
Ultrasound Therapy
Ultrasound therapy works in two ways. The first is to detect any soft-tissue injuries in your neck. The second is to treat it.
Massage Therapy
You can go to a massage therapist in Miami to work out the kinks in your neck following a whiplash diagnosis.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is, essentially, massage therapy done by a recognized and certified physiotherapist. Alternative therapists in this field are called accident chiropractors. Their job is to help improve the flexibility of your neck and realign the muscles and tendons so that your body can begin healing correctly. Improper healing can lead to a chronic condition, so this is important.
What to Remember Before You Pay for Therapy
Whiplash often occurs during a rear-end collision. In most cases, you will not be at fault for the accident in Miami, even if you were the one to stop suddenly. The assumption is that the person behind you was following too closely not to anticipate your action.
As such, you may be able to claim compensation for your injury. It is best to get properly diagnosed in order to receive the full amount to cover professional recovery services.
If you have been injured in an auto accident in Miami, our personal injury clinic in Miami or Hollywood FL can help you recover from your whiplash injury.