One of the most common types of injuries that victims may suffer in car accidents is whiplash. This painful injury most often occurs when a victim is rear-ended and their head violently snaps in a forward and backward motion. While this injury may not have visible symptoms, the pain is anything but invisible for the victim.
If you were involved in a car accident, you should not discount the symptoms of a whiplash injury. You should consult a physician if you have any symptoms indicating a whiplash injury. You should also contact an experienced New York car accident attorney to protect your legal rights.
Symptoms of Whiplash
Symptoms of a whiplash injury may take several days or even a few weeks after the car accident to surface. However, you should not let the lack of immediate symptoms prevent you from getting the necessary medical care you need to treat a whiplash injury.
Below is a list of symptoms that may indicate a whiplash injury. If you are suffering from any of these symptoms, you should immediately consult a physician.
–Â Â Â Â Â Â Pain and stiffness in your neck
–Â Â Â Â Â Â Pain that radiates to your shoulders, arms or down your back
–Â Â Â Â Â Â Headaches at the base of your skull that may radiate towards your forehead
–Â Â Â Â Â Â Ringing in your ears
–Â Â Â Â Â Â Blurred vision
–Â Â Â Â Â Â Difficulty in moving due to pain or stiffness in your muscles
–Â Â Â Â Â Â Difficulty in remembering events, indicating memory problems
–Â Â Â Â Â Â Difficulty in concentrating
The duration of these symptoms may vary depending on the severity of your accident. Each individual reacts differently to the symptoms of whiplash. However, if you are suffering from a severe case of whiplash, you may suffer from chronic pain that may lead to permanent disability.
Treating Whiplash Injuries
The good news is that with time, whiplash may heal on its own. To help your recovery process, your treating physician may recommend that you take the following important steps:
– Â Â Ice your neck for at least 20 to 30 minutes every four hours for the first 2 to 3 days following your accident. This will help reduce your pain and any swelling you may have.
– Â Â Once the initial swelling has gone down (usually within 2 to 3 days after the accident), your doctor may advise you to apply moist heat.
–   Take painkillers, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). If over-the-counter medications do not relieve your pain, your physician may prescribe stronger painkillers and muscle relaxants.
– Â Â Use a neck brace or collar for additional support.
Other treatments for whiplash injuries may include ultrasound, massage and various chiropractic treatments.
Contact Us
Attorney Kenneth A. Wilhelm is a New York car accident attorney with over 42 years of experience. For more information or to schedule a complimentary consultation, call the Law Offices of Kenneth A. Wilhelm at 1-800-967-5496, 24 hours a day 7 days a week, or visit us at www.work4youlaw.com.