First aid treatment for Whiplash/Neck Injuries

By: Mesriani Law Group | Posted: 13th May 2010

Whiplash and neck sprain usually occurs when the neck is forced extremely forward and backward, or rotated. It typically happens during vehicular accident, slip, trip or fall accident, and industrial accidents when muscles in the ligaments and muscles of the neck are stretched abnormally, causing stress and strain.

Severe whiplash neck sprain can cause damage to the spinal cord and can be fatal. Immediate medical attention is necessary to avoid further complications in other parts of the body. When the spinal cord is affected, normal functions of the body through the nerve canals of spine influence the communication flow and system in the body. X-ray may be needed to specifically diagnose the gravity of damage caused by accident.

Women and children are more likely to get whiplash neck sprain because their neck muscles are softer and fragile. A sudden stop or break in the car can cause adverse stress on the neck. Painkillers and sufficient rest for the neck can ease mild cases of whiplash neck sprain. Sometimes, support for the neck may be needed, depending on the severity of the damage.

Sports activities can also cause whiplash neck sprain. A wrong fall during a basketball game or soccer can trigger neck injuries. Excessive physical activity can also cause muscle strain on the neck. A slip, trip, or fall can cause moderate to serious neck damages.

Here are some symptoms of whiplash neck sprain:

1. Stiffness and pain in neck area. Your neck feels frigid and there's difficulty in moving it. The stiffness develops one day after the accident.

2. Stiffness and pain in shoulders and back

3. Headache

4. Dizziness

5. Vision problems

6. Difficulty in swallowing

7. Facial muscle stress

8. Difficulty in concentration

It is best to consult with your doctor if one these symptoms occur after a slip, trip, or fall accident, or an extreme physical activity. If there's a catastrophic accident, it is best to help the victim get immediate medical treatment; X-ray and CT scan will be administered.

If you have a mild whiplash neck strain, here are some home remedies that you can do:

1. Rest your neck. Most neck strains are due to excessive neck movement.

2. Gently massage your neck.

3. Give the neck a gentle exercise in all directions

4. Take two 500mg paracetamol four times a day (adults) or call your doctor regarding your body's drug tolerance.

5. Take Ibuprofen (anti-inflammatory painkiller) or Diclofenac or Naproxen (may require doctor's prescription, and are not advisable for people with heart disease, ulcers, kidney illness, asthma, and high blood pressure.

If the pain and stiffness still cannot be eased away, consult a Physiotherapist or your doctor.

If you or your loved suffered from whiplash neck injury due to Slip or fall accident, or other vehicular and industrial accident in Los Angeles, call a professional Personal Injury lawyer and ask how you can obtain financial remuneration.

To pursue a claim for whiplash/neck injuries caused by a vehicle accident, consult with our professional Los Angeles personal injury lawyers. Visit our website and avail of our free case analysis.
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Tags: x ray, vision problems, neck injuries, mild cases, basketball game, stress and strain, neck muscles, muscle strain, whiplash, vehicular accident, facial muscle, industrial accidents