What To Do: Persistent Neck Pain After Car Accident
After a car accident, a victim can continue to suffer from persistent neck pain. Also sometimes called whiplash, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, this condition involves multiple symptoms. These can include neck pain, neck stiffness, back or shoulder pain, dizziness, or headaches and are present after damage to the neck, such as sudden flexion or extension. To find out what to do with persistent neck pain after a car accident or for help with a personal injury claim, consider contacting a personal injury attorney at Heiting & Irwin by calling (951) 682-6400 to schedule a consultation.
Understanding Persistent Neck Pain
Persistent neck pain following a car accident usually occurs because of the intense movement of a driver’s or passenger’s neck joints, muscles, nerves, ligaments, and intervertebral discs. The severity of this injury generally depends on how the person was sitting, the angle of his or her head, and the impact of the accident. This injury can be very similar to a neck strain or sprain. The key difference is that persistent neck pain lasts longer than typical, minor injury neck sprains or strains.
An injured person can find it quite difficult to function with the pain associated with whiplash. Since this injury impacts the neck and spinal cord, the person’s nervous system will be working overtime. This means that a person suffering from this condition is likely to experience both pain and exhaustion.
Whiplash Symptoms
If you are experiencing persistent neck pain after a car accident, a seasoned attorney from Heiting & Irwin may be able to help with a personal injury claim. In addition to neck pain, some common whiplash symptoms include:
- Dizziness
- Tired eyes and persistent headache
- Blurred vision
- Sleep disturbances
- Numbness or tingling in the limbs
- Stiff and sensitive neck muscles
- Difficulty concentrating for long periods
- Back and limb pain
- Difficulty swallowing or chewing food
- Persistent ringing in the ears
- Muscle fatigue and mild fever
- Depression and anxiety
- Difficulty lifting objects
- Memory issues
- Irritability
What To Do With Persistent Neck Pain After a Car Accident
If a driver or passenger experiences whiplash in a car accident, he or she should take steps to address the problem as soon as possible. Without proper attention or treatment, the symptoms may last longer than expected and negatively impact that person’s life. The following steps will help address persistent neck pain after a car accident:
- Speak to a doctor. If you have neck pain, or you have pain that persists for a prolonged period or worsens, speak to a doctor. Be sure to mention what happened during the accident and any what helps or makes it worse. The doctor will give advice and may provide therapy and medication to either resolve the issue or make it more bearable. Visiting a doctor also creates a record of the injury, which is helpful if the injured person will be filing a personal injury claim.
- Try home remedies. Many people feel relief after trying home remedies. These include applying heat or ice to the affected area, getting a massage, taking painkillers, or getting a brace or neck collar for additional support. Use these only with the approval of your doctor.
- Remember to exercise. While exercising is likely to hurt when experiencing persistent neck pain, small movements and stretches can prevent further damage and help the injury to heal. The doctor may recommend a physical therapist, who can develop a plan with physical movements and medications that may help. Whatever you decide to do, make sure it is consistent with your doctor’s advice.
Tips for Handling Whiplash
If you have experienced whiplash, the following tips may help with your recovery:
- Adopt lifestyle changes. People with whiplash may consider sleeping on their backs, or in a certain position that may reduce the pain of this type of injury. They may also want to use more pillows to provide additional support. In addition, it is often helpful to rest and make no sudden neck movements and to avoid placing a phone between the shoulder and the head.
- Seek assistance from a specialist. You might consider reaching out to a pain specialist in addition to seeing your regular doctor. These professionals can provide holistic treatments that may help an injured person manage his or her pain levels. Ask your doctor for a referral.
- Avoid relying on the injury to heal itself. Sufficient care is important. Therefore, seek medical help as soon as possible after the accident.
Consider Contacting a Car Accident Attorney Today
According to the National Library of Medicine, whiplash can be a crucial cause of other conditions and lead to chronic disability. Due to the possible severity of this injury, it can be useful to know what to do when suffering from persistent neck pain after a car accident. To learn more about how to handle this scenario, and to get support for your personal injury case, contact an experienced car accident attorney at Heiting & Irwin by calling (951) 682-6400 to schedule a consultation today. You may also visit us online at www.hilegalgroup.com
