If you have been involved in a car accident in Louisiana, you may have injuries that do not show up immediately. A common injury that can rear its head days after an accident is whiplash. According to WebMD, whiplash is a condition involving damage to the tendons in the neck. Tendons are what connect the muscle to the bones. When they are injured, they may swell and cause extreme pain, along with impairing movement, but it usually takes time for the symptoms to become apparent.
This type of injury often creates symptoms, such as headaches or a stiff neck, that are similar to a concussion. Because of this and the fact a concussion is a serious head injury, you may have to go through various tests, such as scans or X-rays, to rule out the more serious injury. You may also be asked a lot of questions about your symptoms and how you feel to determine if you do have whiplash. A physical exam may also be done because tenderness in the neck is a god sign of whiplash.
Once diagnosed, there is not much that can be done besides rest. Neck braces, while often shown in movies and television shows, are not typically used because they can cause further issues. Instead, you will usually be given instructions to take pain relievers and use ice and heat to help with pain and swelling. While this information should not be taken as legal advice, it can help you understand the process and what to expect.
