When Whiplash Turns More Serious  

Whiplash is a common injury that is often caused by car accidents, especially rear end collisions. When a motorist is hit from behind, the impact of the collision can cause the victim’s head to snap forward and back again, injuring the muscle, bones, and soft tissue in the neck.

Generally, whiplash is a relatively minor injury, although in some cases it can lead to chronic discomfort. For some, whiplash can develop into something more serious, including whiplash-associated disorder (WAD), which is a much more persistent health issue that affects the neck, as well as the shoulders and back. Both whiplash and WAD can be treated in numerous ways. An experienced healthcare professional can recommend the best treatment options based on the nature of the injury.

How to Treat Whiplash and WAD

There are a wide range of treatment options that can help car accidents victims who have a whiplash or WAD injury, including the following:

• Heat and Ice Therapy: In the early stages of an injury, ice therapy is recommended for five to ten minutes, followed by a heat pack for ten to twenty minutes. This helps control inflammation at the injury site. When using a heat pack, be sure to wrap it in a towel to prevent burns that can occur when applied directly to the skin.
• Physical Therapy: Range of movement (ROM) exercises, done shortly after the accident, can result in a quicker recovery time and less intense symptoms. When a medical professional says it is safe to start an exercise program, it will likely involve rotating the head and neck in a specific manner approximately 10 times per hour.
• Stress Reduction: Stress can have an extremely negative impact on the body. Many people hold their stress in their neck and shoulders. Psychotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy can help deal with everyday stress in a productive manner.
• Physiotherapy: This can help strengthen the muscles around the spinal column and relax the neck, which helps prevent pain. Occupational therapy may also be involved, which will help the patient be productive at work following the injury.
• Spinal Manipulation: Only a qualified osteopath or chiropractor should perform this type of therapy. A spinal adjustment can help restore mobility and help with pain management.
• Electrotherapy: This is another option that can relieve pain associated with a whiplash, or WAD injury. Other pain relief modalities include ultrasound, interferential therapy, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), and acupuncture.
• Rest: It is always a good idea to let the body rest and recover for a certain period of time after an injury. This allows the body to begin to heal itself. In some cases, further treatment is not needed. However, if the pain has not diminished, and other symptoms are also causing discomfort, the injured person should be evaluated by a qualified health professional.

Baltimore Car Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Represent Victims of Whiplash Injuries

If you have been hit by a negligent driver and suffered a whiplash, or WAD injury, do not hesitate to contact the Baltimore car accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton. We will fight to obtain the maximum financial compensation you deserve for your injuries, whether they were minor or severe. To set up a free consultation, call us today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.

Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Towson, allowing us to represent car accident victims in Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Prince George’s County, Queen Anne’s County, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.