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The treatment that someone receives for a whiplash-type injury will depend very much on what the actual problem is. The nature of Whiplash-Associated Disorders is varied and one person can have very different symptoms and problems to another. Read about what a Whiplash-Associated Disorder is.
The traditional treatment for a whiplash-type injury is that of wearing a soft collar and getting some rest. However, recent studies have shown this not to be the most effective way of recovering from a whiplash neck injury.
One such study was published in the journal Bandolier in 2005 and brought together five separate studies that had looked at the effects of different therapies on whiplash injury patients. Through a statistical comparison of the five studies it was found that soft collars are not a benefit for most people with a whiplash-type injury.
Additionally, the combined results of three studies showed that taking part in exercise and early mobilisation led to a 70% success rate, whilst soft collars gave only a 58% success rate. This finding suggests that doing exercise may well give you a better chance at a full recovery than using a collar.
Although soft collars are not the best option for some patients, for others they work very well to reduce severe pain in the first few days after their neck injury. However, their use is not normally encouraged after the initial stages of recovery.
Symptoms of Whiplash-Associated Disorders range widely from neck pain to dizziness and can vary greatly from person to person, even if they were involved in the same accident. Read more about the symptoms of whiplash injuries.
It is generally recommended that an ice pack should be applied to reduce swelling as soon as possible after the injury is sustained. However, heat can also be very effective in reducing pain and loosening the neck muscles. Warm showers and heat packs are often recommended further on in the process of recovery.
Gentle neck exercise, as previously discussed, can be used to aid a return to healthy. Exercises can increase strength and extent of movement in the neck muscles, allowing the patient to maintain a healthy posture.
Assuming a correct posture is important because it takes the pressure off muscles, discs and other tissues in the neck. This allows damaged tissue to regenerate, as well as keeping the rest of the neck in good health.
Chiropractic therapy can help to diagnose, treat and relieve symptoms of whiplash-type injuries. Spinal manipulation therapy is one type of chiropractics that is commonly used in the resolution of Whiplash-Associated Disorders. It can be carried out by either an osteopath or a chiropractor and it works to manipulate muscles and bones into their correct places.
Oral analgesics (pain relievers) are often prescribed by doctors or bought from chemists in order to reduce the amount of pain felt by the patient. Muscle relaxants may also be recommended by a doctor in some cases. It should be noted that medications such as these are not a solution to the injury but just one part of treatment designed to make the neck more comfortable.
Those who are still suffering from pain after 12 weeks may well be recommended to undergo further diagnostic tests so that appropriate specialist treatment can be arranged. Symptoms will generally have to be quite severe if treatments such as spine and facet injections are to be used because there are risks involved and they only provide relief for a limited period.
If you have suffered a whiplash-type injury that wasn't your fault and you are receiving treatment or medication for it, you could recover your expenditures by making a compensation claim. As well as recouping the money you have spent, you would also get compensation for the pain and suffering you have experienced.
We are experts in Whiplash-Associated Disorders and help people in the UK to make personal injury claims without charging them a penny. Our service is completely cost-free for you from start to finish and we will not take a cut of any compensation you receive.
Simply telephone 0800 10 757 95 for free legal advice and more information about claiming for Whiplash-Associated Disorders.
