Whiplash is an injury to the neck’s tendons and ligaments. The symptoms of whiplash may not be felt until a few days after an accident, and they often get worse up to a week afterwards. If you have sustained a whiplash injury, the good news is that in the vast majority of cases the injury subsides over time – no matter how severe it is.
The correct course of treatment for your particular whiplash injury will be recommended by your GP. If you have not already consulted your GP, you should do so immediately. Putting off a visit to your GP could lead to your whiplash getting worse. Your GP will provide advice and recommend a course of treatment to help you make a swift recovery.
Treatments for whiplash can include:
Gentle exercises
It sounds counterproductive, but keeping your neck mobile by doing gentle exercises is one of the best ways to aid the recovery of minor whiplash. This is because resting your neck will cause inflammation to get worse, which will lead to more pain and less mobility.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is usually recommended by a GP where the recovery period is likely to extend beyond a few weeks, such as with grade 2 whiplash. You will be taught a range of physical techniques to help restore movement to your neck, or somebody will help you in doing so.
Painkillers and anti-inflammatories
Whiplash can be extremely painful and your GP may prescribe for you strong painkillers that are not available over the counter. For most whiplash injuries, however, Paracetamol is recommended and an anti-inflammatory such as ibuprofen can be used for inflammation.
Advice for dealing with whiplash can include:
Take hot baths and showers
While a hot bath or shower will not speed up your recovery, it may relax you and make your neck feel less tight. It may even reduce pain for a short period of time. So feel free to kick your feet up and relax in a hot bath knowing it may well make you feel a little bit better.
Purchase a firm, supportive pillow
The body heals while it sleeps, and anything that will help you get a good night’s rest is going to be good for your recovery. A firm pillow will support your neck and reduce the risk of you tossing and turning in the middle of the night. Try not to use more than one pillow.
You might also like to consider making a claim for compensation. You can claim compensation for your injury and financial hardships related to your injury. A law firm such as accident advice helpline can help you to make a claim. Give AAH a call on 0800 689 0500 or from your mobile on 0333 500 0993 to discuss your case today.
