What Is Whiplash?
Whiplash is a specific type of neck strain that is caused by sudden movement of the head and neck. The impact of a car accident often causes the head to thrash, which is why whiplash is so closely associated with the events. During the thrashing, the muscles and tendons in the neck are stretched past their limit, causing one or more tears. These tears cause pain, difficulty moving, and are often accompanied by other injuries like concussions.
Some people mistake a neck sprain for whiplash, but they are not quite the same. Whiplash is caused by damage to the muscles and tendons, which actually tear during the injury. A sprain is when the ligaments, which connect bones, tear. It may be hard to identify the difference yourself, which is why seeking whiplash treatment can be important.
Mild cases of whiplash can be treated with icing, rest, and pain management, while moderate cases may require a neck brace and specialized care. Very severe cases can lead to surgeries to alleviate chronic pain.
When Should I Seek Treatment?
If you’ve been in a car accident, it is always safest to seek care from a specialist who can assess your injuries. Depending on the specific instance, whiplash may not begin to display symptoms until hours after the accident has occurred.
Any neck or back pain following a car accident requires immediate attention from a specialist. Signs you may be suffering from whiplash also include headaches at the base of the skull, tenderness near the head, stiffness, pain, or decreased range of motion. A doctor will be able to evaluate your head and neck for signs of whiplash and use imaging to diagnose the condition. It can be important to have an official diagnosis documented by a specialist.
Whiplash Settlements
Because whiplash is a serious injury, it often becomes part of settlements resulting from car accidents. There is no set amount that is expected for a whiplash settlement, but there are factors that can raise or lower settlement amounts. These illustrate why it’s important to seek care. Below are some considerations to take into account when seeking whiplash treatment during an open case:
- When did you seek treatment? Most whiplash appears relatively close to the time the injury occurs. Seeking help immediately indicates you began experiencing pain directly related to the accident and can indicate your pain levels.
- How severe is the whiplash? A doctor can help determine the severity of the injury and the correct course of treatment, as well as documenting their findings.
- What treatment is required? Depending on the severity, you may require varying levels of treatment, from medication to physical therapy or even surgery. The more care you need, the more you are likely to spend, which will be taken into account during settlement proceedings.
- Were there other injuries? In addition to diagnosing whiplash, a specialist can identify related injuries or conditions that will also need to be treated.
Seeking Care for Whiplash
When you’ve been in a car accident, especially if you are exhibiting signs of whiplash, seeking medical care quickly is very important. At AICA Orthopedics, we have a team of whiplash doctors and medical specialists who are familiar with the injury and can diagnose the severity quickly. We can then provide recommendations for your treatment based on our experience and knowledge. AICA Orthopedics offers chiropractic care, orthopedic care, physical therapy, pain management, and even orthopedic surgery if it becomes necessary.
Contact us today at AICA Orthopedics to get an accurate, effective treatment for your whiplash and any related injuries. Our specialists specifically work with people who have been in car accidents and can answer any questions about your whiplash and treatment.
