What should I do if I think I have whiplash?
After a car accident or some other injury that could cause whiplash, if you feel neck pain, you should be checked by your doctor, in order to rule out anything more serious. Whiplash can appear up to a couple of weeks following the initial injury as it is an injury that affects the muscles and tissues but can take a while to manifest. Symptoms of whiplash include pain in the neck, back, shoulders, or arm. You could feel dizzy, fatigued, and have trouble with your memory.
If you do have whiplash, your doctor will probably suggest light muscle exercises, and a dose of painkillers. These will help to relive the pain and discomfort you are probably experiencing
If you've been the victim of a road traffic accident and are suffering from any recognised symptoms of whiplash, consult your GP immediately. To establish whether or not you are suffering from whiplash, doctors may ask how your injury happened and request details of your symptoms.
In certain cases, you may need to undergo a tomography scan, through which X-rays of your body are taken in sections, or an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). These will help establish whether the bones in your neck or spine have been fractured through your injury.
How can I help to relieve whiplash?
You can stand against a door or a wall with your head facing forward and move your eyes so you look towards different positions in the room. This helps to create slight movement in muscles in the back of the head and thus helps to ease the pain. Slow movements into bending positions can also help to loosen muscles that have been torn. Similar tilting movements can help to alleviate any discomfort you may be experiencing.
Finally after seeing a medical professional about your injuries it may be time to think about bringing a claim for compensation forward. Accidents Direct will be able to assist where the accident was not your fault and you have sustained injuries like the above.
We will be able to advise you accordingly and bring your claim forward on a completely no win no fee service ensuring that you receive 100% compensation with no deductions.
Updated on 06/07/2009