Whiplash, or neck strain, may not seem like a serious injury, but its symptoms can be debilitating. Pain and tightness in your neck and shoulders can limit your range of motion, making it virtually impossible to complete even the simplest tasks.
Fortunately, most people can relieve the worst symptoms of whiplash with rest and a few simple treatments. Depending on the severity of your injury and your profession, it may be necessary to take some time off work while you recover. If your whiplash is particularly severe, your doctor may suggest physical therapy and other forms of care in addition to rest.
The lost income and medical bills can add up quickly, but if another person was responsible for your injury, such as a negligent driver, you may be entitled to compensation for these costs as well as pain and suffering. To find out if you have grounds for a claim, contact The Law Office of Richard M. Kenny.
Our personal injury attorneys have more than 100 combined years of experience in legal practice. Call 212-421-0300 to schedule a free consultation with a car accident lawyer in New York City.
Let’s explore some of the most effective treatments for whiplash:
- Pain Management
Although there’s no cure for neck strain, relieving its symptoms may allow patients to remain active. Physicians typically prioritize pain management when treating whiplash. According to the Mayo Clinic, some of the most effective treatments include:
- Heat and cold therapy;
- Over-the-counter pain medication;
- Prescription drugs;
- Muscle relaxants; and
- Numbing injections.
- Gentle Exercise
Performing gentle stretches and attending physical therapy may help restore the range of motion in your neck. As tempting as it might be to rest your neck, doing so for a prolonged period of time could actually inhibit your recovery.
You should also avoid wearing a cervical collar or brace. Although foam collars used to be a common approach for treating whiplash, research has indicated that they can decrease muscle strength.
- Alternative Therapies
People with whiplash often try alternative therapies to relieve their symptoms and speed up the recovery process. Although clinical research regarding the efficacy of these approaches is limited, there is considerable anecdotal evidence that they may help. Some of the most popular alternative remedies for treating whiplash include:
- Acupuncture: Hailing from China, acupuncture is an ancient form of medicine that involves inserting fine needles in strategic points on the body to improve circulation and promote healing.
- Chiropractic Care: People often turn to chiropractors when their whiplash symptoms last for more than a couple weeks. If the spine became misaligned in the accident, thereby inhibiting recovery, simple adjustments may help.
- Massage Therapy: Massage therapy can provide immediate relief for neck pain, although it will be temporary.
Discuss Your Case with a Personal Injury Lawyer in New York City
If you sustained whiplash or other injuries in a preventable accident, turn to The Law Office of Richard M. Kenny to determine the most strategic way to proceed. We will answer your questions, conduct a thorough investigation, and help you pursue the maximum payout possible. Call 212-421-0300 or use our Online Contact Form to set up a free case evaluation with a car accident attorney in New York City.
