The Quebec task force (QTF) on whiplash associated disorders (WAD) defined whiplash as
“bony or soft tissue injuries’’
1,500 whiplash claims are made in the UK every day, approximately. People are exposed to whiplash when they experience a car crash or have a slip-and-fall. They must know whiplash symptoms, how to diagnose it, and the available whiplash injury treatment. This blog covers the versatility of whiplash injury treatment and diagnosis including
- Prognosis
- Recovery
- Rehabilitation
Whiplash injury treatment and diagnosis
Whiplash Diagnosis
Usually, your doctor can identify whiplash diagnosis based on how the event happened. They use the normal symptoms and your physical exam.
Your GP can check for any indications of car accident injury to your spine’s vertebrae, spinal nerves, or spinal cord by looking at your neck and arms.
The following scans are not limited to the diagnosis of whiplash. Additional testing might be suggested
X-ray Scan
If you have any pre-existing condition, X-rays can help find the link between the pain and injury. This includes arthritis also.
CT Scan
A more detailed image of whiplash injury can be seen on a monitor during a CT (computerised tomography) scan.
MRI Scan
The magnetic resonance imaging scan creates a detailed image of the accident injury. The injured area was highlighted through radio waves and a strong magnetic field.
Whiplash injury treatment
Most whiplash patients recover in less time, probably 3 months. Whiplash treatment purpose is to lessen the neck stiffness and pain. It also repairs damaged tendons, muscles, and ligaments. Car accident injury treatment also comes under whiplash type. The GP will suggest a specific course of treatment for whiplash based on the following questions:
- Age, general health, and medical background.
- How serious is your injury?
- Your tolerance for treatments, operations, or medications.
- Expectations about how your injury will progress.
- Your preference or opinion.
In some cases, a GP refers a patient to a physio specialist. This could be a chiropractic treatment or an orthopaedist. They do further evaluation and treatment.
You are likely to receive the following whiplash treatments that could reduce whiplash symptoms:
Ice Bag Therapy
It is also known as the go-to whiplash injury treatment. All you need to do is try to apply an ice pack as soon as the accident occurs to help reduce swelling (inflammation).
Avoid applying ice to the skin directly by wrapping it in a towel or other protection barrier. A session with an ice pack should last 10 to 30 minutes.
Regular Exercise
Patients should move their necks normally. Moving the neck slowly in each direction will increase the range gradually. Patients must do this while following a licensed healthcare provider’s instruction.
If the symptoms are severe, the person might need to rest their neck. The patient should gently exercise the neck to prevent stiffening when pain levels permit.
OTC Medications
OTC (over-the-counter) medications, an injection, may occasionally be used to heal a headache after a car accident. For example, there is the cervical epidural steroid injection. It lessens inflammation of the nerve and tissue caused by a herniated disc.
Additionally, cervical facet joint injection (to relieve pain in the joint), and trigger point injection (to help an irritated muscle bundle).
Steroid Injections
Doctors suggest patients to use painkillers or muscle relaxants on a regular basis. Painkillers, muscle relaxants and OTC medications like paracetamol can lessen the discomfort from whiplash injuries. Avoid exceeding the recommended dose. Be sure to speak with your doctor before consuming any painkillers
Cervical spine injury
In the old method, soft foam collars were frequently used to treat car accident injuries. Long-term neck immobilisation may impede recovery because it reduces muscle mass and strength. A cervical spine injury collar should typically not be worn for longer than three hours at a time if one is required.
Recovery Post Whiplash Injury Treatment
Pursuing whiplash post-whiplash treatment immediately is the first step. However, how soon you will recover depends on how severe your car accident injury is. Most situations are resolved in a few days. The neck injury treatment can take more time to recover.
You are likely to receive these recovery options. They come after you have been diagnosed and have pursued whiplash treatment.
Physical Exercise
A physical therapist may suggest neck injury exercises. They will also use massage and manipulation. The physiotherapy for whiplash included applying of old, heat, electrical stimulation, or ultrasound to lessen discomfort.
The neck’s strength and flexibility can be improved by a therapy program. It is given through chiropractic treatment by a chiropractor. In some cases, the neck pain treatment can reduce pain and take pressure off the spine.
Osteopathic Care
Another treatment for neck pain management and whiplash is osteopathic care. Osteopaths correct misaligned facet joints and vertebrae to enhance spinal health, which can impact one’s physical well-being.
Osteopathy is frequently used to treat whiplash in Western Europe. Osteopathic medicine treats sports, back, and neck problems using manipulation techniques.
Final Thoughts
In a nutshell, all the information regarding whiplash injury, treatment and diagnosis. Early detection and intervention can stop the emergence of worse illnesses. Concise Medico diagnostic services help with various whiplash treatments and therapies.
Get in touch with Concise Medico to learn more. Our team will help you recover from a whiplash injury and regain your quality of life.
