Common Treatments for Whiplash

You should be under the care of a doctor if you have whiplash, no matter how minor the case. However, there are things you can do at home to deal with the pain, as well.

According to eMedicineHealth.com, you can do the following at home to lessen the pain of whiplash after a car accident:

• Take over-the-counter drugs like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to reduce pain and swelling
• Place an ice pack in a towel on your neck periodically to numb the area
• If possible, rest when you can, taking care to rest your neck especially
• Occasional neck massages can help control pain

Once you can better deal with the pain, your doctor will likely suggest ways to slowly get used to moving your neck normally again. You will probably have to perform some neck exercises with the help of your physician over the course of the recovery period. In most cases, full movement can be restored with minimal or no pain.

Prevent Whiplash in Car Accidents

While you can’t prevent a sudden accident caused by someone else’s negligence, it is possible to lessen your chances of getting such neck injuries.

Professionals at eMedicineHealth.com suggest that you remember to wear your seatbelt, as well as the harness, if that is an option in your vehicle. You should also ensure your headrest is at the right height, which means that the middle of it should be at the same level as the top of your ears. Also, the closer you sit to the dashboard, the more likely you will be to sustain whiplash injuries, which is why women are typically more at risk than men.

It is important to note however, that wearing a seatbelt cannot fully prevent whiplash from occurring and treatment should be sought even after a minor car accident.

If you, or your loved one, have been injured in an car accident in the Northern Virginia area, it would be in your best interest to contact an experienced Virginia personal injury lawyer who will protect your rights and ensure you get the justice and compensation you rightfully deserve. Virginia has a statute of limitations that may prohibit you from filing a lawsuit if too much time has passed. Contact The Parrish Law Firm today for a FREE evaluation of your case – 571-229-1800.