Will Whiplash Heal On Its Own?

Whiplash occurs when the fragile nerves, muscles, and tissues around the neck become injured due to the extreme alterations in motion. These types of injuries are difficult to diagnose and treat because whiplash tends to affect every individual differently. Some whiplash patients may experience only one or two symptoms, as mentioned above, while others may experience every symptom. It is not so easy to diagnose whiplash injuries as scar tissue may not show up in laboratory imaging.

Research reveals that after any neck trauma, like the one experienced during a motor vehicle accident, the tissues around the neck take a long time to heal. For most individuals, this healing process takes six to eight weeks. For others, it may take longer.

Whiplash treatment differs considerably depending on how severe a patient’s symptoms are and on the severity of a car accident. For individuals with mild whiplash injury, they may be able to heal on their own with rest, over-the-counter pain medications, and ice. If the case is severe, you may need to visit a doctor to receive prescription muscle relaxers and painkillers. Physical therapy may also be required in many instances.

It’s necessary to always see a doctor immediately after any type of car accident to find out any serious injuries that may be present. Although whiplash injury itself may not be too complicated, it may accompany other more severe back and neck injuries. Your physician will be able to tell you whether any sign or symptom you’re experiencing is related to whiplash or if they are leading toward something else.

If you’ve been injured in a severe car accident and are questioning your legal options, don’t hesitate to reach out to diagnostic procedures.

Depending on the severity of your motor vehicle accident, you may need medical intervention to treat whiplash. Combining rest, ice therapy, and over the counter painkillers is sometimes enough to eliminate pain and treat your injury, but take care to determine your regime by a medical professional. If you have more severe forms of whiplash, it’s good to see a doctor, for a multitude of reasons:

• Doctors will identify complications that may increase the pain.
• A doctor will prescribe medication for pain and muscular relaxation.
• You may also need physical therapy. Having your injury checked out by a physician is the only way to know the degree of treatment that’s required.

In any motor vehicle accident, it’s wise to see a doctor and get medical attention. Even if you are feeling OK or only mild soreness of the neck, there might be a further injury to your back or neck that you’re unaware of. You won’t be able to know for sure unless you consult a doctor and undergo imaging tests. The risk of permanent injury or pain is not worth ignoring the extra time and energy it takes to visit a doctor.