What Doctor Specializes Treating in Whiplash?
Car accident victims can suffer a variety of injuries, including whiplash. With millions of new cases each year, whiplash is one of the most common injuries. If you’re one of the many dealing with this injury, you need to take steps to recover. You’ll need to begin by making an appointment with a doctor who specializes in whiplash. Orthopedic doctors specialize in the musculoskeletal system, making them the right choice if you have whiplash. Find out what to expect if you visit an orthopedic doctor for whiplash.
Diagnosing Whiplash
Your doctor will ask you to list your symptoms. If your symptoms are in line with whiplash, your doctor will run a diagnostic test. The doctor might order a CT or MRI scan to look for soft tissue damage. Along with looking for signs of whiplash, the scans can also find other injuries. Because auto accidents cause an assortment of injuries, this is beneficial to your health and well-being.
Treating Whiplash
Then, you will begin a treatment protocol for whiplash. If your symptoms are mild, you might respond to at-home care, such as over-the-counter medications and heat therapy. However, if you have significant symptoms, you might need additional medical care. Your doctor might prescribe pain medication and muscle relaxants, or you might need injections. You also might require a cervical collar as part of the whiplash treatment protocol.
Your orthopedic doctor also might refer you to a physical therapist. Physical therapy treatments for neck pain have a high success record. The treatment plan will reduce the pain while improving your neck’s range of motion.
Chiropractic care might also be needed if your whiplash is severe. Your chiropractor will realign your spine and promote blood flow to the injured area. Also, chiropractic care releases natural pain-relieving hormones, so you won’t have to keep taking medication.
When Will the Symptoms Be Gone?
You don’t want to suffer from whiplash symptoms for long. Fortunately, most people notice a significant reduction in pain and mobility issues within a few days. However, it can take three months to heal from this injury. Fortunately, you can manage your symptoms by seeking medical care.
Why Can’t You See a Primary Care Doctor for Whiplash?
If you have whiplash due to an auto accident, your primary care provider likely won’t treat you. Most primary care doctors don’t treat auto accident injuries. Even if yours does, though, it’s still a bad idea to go to him or her for an auto accident. Instead, choose a doctor that specializes in treating auto accident injuries. Then, you won’t have to worry about documentation or billing.
Get Help for Whiplash
Some people think that you should just wait it out if you have whiplash. It should get better on its own. Sometimes, whiplash does heal by itself, but other times, it requires medical treatment. Also, even if you can recover without treatment, that doesn’t mean you want to suffer from the symptoms. Seek treatment from an orthopedic doctor that specializes in car accident injuries.
If you find yourself suffering from a whiplash injury after a car accident in Brooklyn call (718) 769-2521 to schedule your evaluation. At our multi-specialty clinic in Brooklyn accept most insurance plans, including no-fault insurance, workers’ compensation, and medical liens.