After the quick ice and snow storm Oklahoma City experienced last week, we’re seeing more accident injury patients. It’s not uncommon to feel pain days after an accident, so these helpful injury recovery tips may help you get over the worst of the stiffness. If you have lingering pain however, it’s time to see an accident injury specialist.
When your automobile is rear-ended, as commonly happens on ice and snow, your neck lashes forward and backward in a whipping motion. “Whiplash” is by far the most common injury following a rear-end collision. The neck is injured when your body moves much faster than your head in the vehicle. The head then catches up with the body in a jerking motion. It stretches and compresses the neck muscles very far, very quickly. Because adrenaline can mask the pain caused by whiplash, many accident patients don’t feel the effects of damage for hours, even days later.
Whiplash typically causes severe pain the neck and other parts of the body. It can also cause headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, and fatigue. In serious cases, it can also cause a ringing in the ears, an inability to sleep well, and problems with concentration and memory. Accident injury recovery should start as soon as possible.
Recovering From Car Accident Pain
Pain associated with whiplash may not appear until hours or even days after the crash. However, when it sets in, it can be debilitating. First, you should visit one of our providers to be sure that your injury is not something more serious than minor whiplash.
It is most important to be aware of other symptoms, such as numbness or tingling in other parts of the body, including the shoulders, arms or legs, which could indicate serious nerve damage. Because the neck is such an important part of the body, even tiny injuries can have serious (and permanent) consequences.
Accident Injury Recovery
When you have experienced accident pain, it is important to follow your doctor’s instructions. Your doctor may suggest a number of treatments, including the following:
- Stay as active as possible, even though your neck is sore or tight
- Use a brace to stabilize your neck during the healing phase
- Use heat or ice as directed to control swelling, spasms, and pain
- Regularly take over-the-counter medication to help control pain and muscle spasms
- Keep your medical appointments even when you begin to feel better
Your doctor will order medications, therapy and procedures to keep you in motion and promote healing. You may benefit from a variety of therapies that are available at The Brooks Clinic, including prescription medications, physical therapy, electro stimulation, rolling, chiropractic care and more. It’s important that you never try any of these treatments without first consulting your medical doctor—doing the wrong thing with this type of injury could cause permanent, irreversible damage. That’s why The Brooks Clinic has compiled a great staff of medical doctors, physician assistants, chiropractors and more – all working in concert to make sure your care is working for YOU!
When dealing with whiplash, it is particularly important to finish your treatment. Muscles, tendons and ligaments can all feel better before they are fully healed. Eliminating the inflammation will make you feel better, but that does not mean you are fully healed. Your doctor might clear you to return to work, school, or other daily activities before you have fully recovered. In more serious cases, your doctor may recommend an injection treatment that will help relieve your pain.
Preventing Whiplash
Auto accidents that cause whiplash are very difficult to prevent because you are almost never at fault when they occur. However, you can take certain steps to help prevent whiplash injuries, even if you are rear-ended:
- Wear your seat belt correctly every time you ride in a vehicle
- Be sure that the vehicle headrest is high enough to cushion your head properly
- Avoid driving in a significantly reclined position
The number one thing you should do after an auto accident is get checked out! In the Oklahoma City Metro, we can make it easy for you. With four great locations, there’s always a Brooks Clinic nearby where you can have a walk in exam with no out of pocket costs. You’ll find our locations easy to reach:
- Midtown OKC
- Northwest Expressway
- Moore
- Midwest City
We deal with insurance every day. We know the challenges and the difficulties you may face. We can help you navigate the requirements so that your claim is paid quickly and in full. When you’ve had an auto accident, make your first call to The Brooks Clinic. One phone number helps you reach all locations, and a specialist is waiting to speak with you…
