Whiplash?

[SweetErika]

My little car's front bumper was hit by a monster truck Friday. I don't think the impact was very hard, but my (previously problematic) neck hurts, I have a headache and funny sensations in my left shoulder and arm. I went to a doctor at an urgent care clinic yesterday, and after a cursory exam, he said it was probably a strain, and gave me painkillers and instructions to go to the ER for tests if it got worse and my regular doctor this week. I wasn't impressed with him, but didn't feel it warranted an ER visit and my doctor isn't available on weekends.

So, keeping in mind that I know everyone is different and I'm not getting professional medical advice here, does anyone have experience with neck pain, strains, whiplash, etc. after an accident? Any advice and suggestions on alleviating the pain and/or things I should talk to my doctor about (e.g. treatments) would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Eilan]

My little car's front bumper was hit by a monster truck Friday. I don't think the impact was very hard, but my (previously problematic) neck hurts, I have a headache and funny sensations in my left shoulder and arm. I went to a doctor at an urgent care clinic yesterday, and after a cursory exam, he said it was probably a strain, and gave me painkillers and instructions to go to the ER for tests if it got worse and my regular doctor this week. I wasn't impressed with him, but didn't feel it warranted an ER visit and my doctor isn't available on weekends.

So, keeping in mind that I know everyone is different and I'm not getting professional medical advice here, does anyone have experience with neck pain, strains, whiplash, etc. after an accident? Any advice and suggestions on alleviating the pain and/or things I should talk to my doctor about (e.g. treatments) would be greatly appreciated.

I asked my husband about this, because I don't have any personal experience with neck/shoulder problems. He's not a medical professional, but he has 27+ years experience handling traffic crashes with our state's Highway Patrol, so he's seen a lot of these types of injuries.

He said that if it's neck strain, it'll probably hurt for about a week or so, and then it'll get better. The pain from whiplash will last longer than that.

He seemed to think that the headache would be a sign of whiplash, but he also thought that the sensations in your shoulder and arm were worrisome. I'm assuming that you're planning to talk to your doctor sometime this week. If it's still bothering you, perhaps your doctor could order additional tests.

Have you seen a chiropractor in the past? That might be something to consider at some point as well.

Here's hoping you mend quickly.

 

[Weird Harold]

So, keeping in mind that I know everyone is different and I'm not getting professional medical advice here, does anyone have experience with neck pain, strains, whiplash, etc. after an accident? Any advice and suggestions on alleviating the pain and/or things I should talk to my doctor about (e.g. treatments) would be greatly appreciated.

I'd avoid heat for the stiffness and neck pain until you've seen your regular doctor. An ice pack might help, but I suspect the painkillers and rest are the best options for now -- although plain aspirin will probably work as well as whatever he gave you if your stomach can tolerate aspirin.

Like Eilan's husband, I think the shoulder pain and headache are the most worrisome aspects -- especially since it's been two days since the accident. You should definitely see your regular doctor as soon as youcan.

 

[SweetErika]

I asked my husband about this, because I don't have any personal experience with neck/shoulder problems. He's not a medical professional, but he has 27+ years experience handling traffic crashes with our state's Highway Patrol, so he's seen a lot of these types of injuries.

He said that if it's neck strain, it'll probably hurt for about a week or so, and then it'll get better. The pain from whiplash will last longer than that.

He seemed to think that the headache would be a sign of whiplash, but he also thought that the sensations in your shoulder and arm were worrisome. I'm assuming that you're planning to talk to your doctor sometime this week. If it's still bothering you, perhaps your doctor could order additional tests.

Have you seen a chiropractor in the past? That might be something to consider at some point as well.

Here's hoping you mend quickly.

Thanks to you and your hubby! I've read a little about whiplash, and don't think it fits the accident (my head was turned, but my seatbelt didn't even lock). I'm guessing it aggravated whatever was already wrong, and maybe some nerves are being pinched or something. I haven't been to a chiropractor due to an irrational fear and bad health insurance, but I'll ask my doctor if it might help this week.

 

[EJFan]

i'm sorry to hear this.... i hope you feel better and heal soon!

 

[SweetErika]

I'd avoid heat for the stiffness and neck pain until you've seen your regular doctor. An ice pack might help, but I suspect the painkillers and rest are the best options for now -- although plain aspirin will probably work as well as whatever he gave you if your stomach can tolerate aspirin.

Like Eilan's husband, I think the shoulder pain and headache are the most worrisome aspects -- especially since it's been two days since the accident. You should definitely see your regular doctor as soon as youcan.

I wish OTC meds would cut it, but I'm a real weenie when it comes to pain, Harold. The doctor didn't mention anything about ice and I usually use heat, but I'll definitely give it a try and call my doc in the morning. Thank you.

Sadly, this has put a kink in my magic wand attachment making plans as well.

 

[fgarvb1]

I was setting at a table eating lunch a week and a half after a bad wreak one time , when all of a sudden I couldn't move.

That was a lot of fun.

I still can't lay in the floor watching TV with my chin propped up with my hands to this day with out having neck problems.

Get medical help.

 

[SweetErika]

i'm sorry to hear this.... i hope you feel better and heal soon!

Thanks, EJ! I'm sure I'll be fine, and even better when they formally declare the jackass who hit me at fault.

 

[tisluvbull]

Sure. My step-dad was a chiropractor for 25 years. With neck and back injuries after accidents, sometimes the pain and problems do not occur for quite some time after the incident. Its best to get it looked at closely via xrays and MRI ( if your really worried about the injury)...If you've got the insurance, its always best to utilize it....

 

[abbey_kyle]

Erika, get thee to a doctor and get Xrays! If you were hit from behind, but there was no damage to your car, it does not mean there was no damage to your spinal column, back muscles, neck, etc. Even flinching on impact can place you in some muscle spasms, which usually arrive a day or two later.

And especially since you were hit by another vehicle...get it all done now while you can still claim the insurance and have it paid for.

Preventative, hon. Handle it now before it becomes something larger than yourself.

And feel better!

 

[SweetErika]

I was setting at a table eating lunch a week and a half after a bad wreak one time , when all of a sudden I couldn't move.

That was a lot of fun.

I still can't lay in the floor watching TV with my chin propped up with my hands to this day with out having neck problems.

Get medical help.

Sure. My step-dad was a chiropractor for 25 years. With neck and back injuries after accidents, sometimes the pain and problems do not occur for quite some time after the incident. Its best to get it looked at closely via xrays and MRI ( if your really worried about the injury)...If you've got the insurance, its always best to utilize it....

Thanks for the input, guys.

Erika, get thee to a doctor and get Xrays! If you were hit from behind, but there was no damage to your car, it does not mean there was no damage to your spinal column, back muscles, neck, etc. Even flinching on impact can place you in some muscle spasms, which usually arrive a day or two later.

And especially since you were hit by another vehicle...get it all done now while you can still claim the insurance and have it paid for.

Preventative, hon. Handle it now before it becomes something larger than yourself.

And feel better!

I wasn't hit from behind...his monster tires sort of drove into/over the front driver's side bumper when I was stopped or just starting to roll and he decided to turn right from the left turn lane. I was looking left at the time, and it didn't seem like much of an impact, and I didn't start hurting until an hour later, but he did accelerate out of the turn rapidly, so who knows. I'll talk to my insurance company again tomorrow, but they seemed to encourage treatment, and I'm sure you're right about not waiting to get a better diagnosis.

 

[silverwhisper]

my advice: always, always, always document these things, erika. indeed, if your doc shows no whiplash, that's also good for your insurance company (and your rates).

ed

 

[Eilan]

I'm sure I'll be fine, and even better when they formally declare the jackass who hit me at fault.

Ahhh. . . vindication.

This is a slight hijack, but was the guy's truck illegally high? I don't know your state's guidelines concerning vehicle height, but I know that in Ohio, vehicles can't be too high. It's a safety issue. I don't think that it affects your claim one way or another, but it his vehicle's illegal, he can be forced to make it legal within a certain time frame.

Jacked-up monster trucks are for stupid rednecks, anyway.

[/hijack]

my advice: always, always, always document these things, erika. indeed, if your doc shows no whiplash, that's also good for your insurance company (and your rates).

Absolutely.

 

[Weird Harold]

I wish OTC meds would cut it, but I'm a real weenie when it comes to pain, Harold. The doctor didn't mention anything about ice and I usually use heat, but I'll definitely give it a try and call my doc in the morning.

I mentioned Aspirin because (AFAIK) it's still the best anti-pyretic available -- it's for the possible inflamation rather than the pain; although often when you take care of the inflamation the pain goes way too.

Heat is probably OK now that it's been three days, but the big problem with possible nerve damage, like "Whiplash," is swelling and inflamation and for that, Ice and Aspirin are best.

 

[SweetErika]

my advice: always, always, always document these things, erika. indeed, if your doc shows no whiplash, that's also good for your insurance company (and your rates).

ed

Yes, you are so right, and I've been writing everything down from an account of the accident to pain and missing work. A lawyer friend was very insistent on that point, and I'm sure I'll be glad to have it.

Ahhh. . . vindication.

This is a slight hijack, but was the guy's truck illegally high? I don't know your state's guidelines concerning vehicle height, but I know that in Ohio, vehicles can't be too high. It's a safety issue. I don't think that it affects your claim one way or another, but it his vehicle's illegal, he can be forced to make it legal within a certain time frame.

Jacked-up monster trucks are for stupid rednecks, anyway.

[/hijack]

Absolutely.

No, it wasn't illegally high, but they should be able to declare him at fault with no problem by looking at the scene, damage, and maybe finding a witness.

 

[EJFan]

No, it wasn't illegally high, but they should be able to declare him at fault with no problem by looking at the scene, damage, and maybe finding a witness.

was the driver illegally high? how in the blue hell does someone drive over top of another car?

i hope you get zero pain and a shit-pot full o' money (that you're willing to share with the rest of us maybe? lol).

 

[Halo_n_horns]

So, keeping in mind that I know everyone is different and I'm not getting professional medical advice here, does anyone have experience with neck pain, strains, whiplash, etc. after an accident? Any advice and suggestions on alleviating the pain and/or things I should talk to my doctor about (e.g. treatments) would be greatly appreciated.

I was rear ended some years ago and suffered the same pains, and a few others, that you've described. Get help and get his insurance to cover every last penny. Afterward you'll even be able to get some pain and suffering money out of it. Probably not much, but enough to make Christmas look better this year.

I feel for ya. There's nothing fun about one's body being knocked out of whack like that.

 

[Eilan]

No, it wasn't illegally high, but they should be able to declare him at fault with no problem by looking at the scene, damage, and maybe finding a witness.

Honestly, if the cops know what they're doing, they should be able to determine who was at fault from the physical evidence alone, regardless of whether or not a witness comes forward.

My husband could tell you lots of stories about how people who are at fault in a crash will vehemently deny it, even though all the evidence clearly says otherwise AND their explanations defy the laws of physics.

Make sure you get a copy of the crash report once the cops are finished investigating.

 

[Ezzy]

I wish OTC meds would cut it, but I'm a real weenie when it comes to pain, Harold.

Being in Washington you have an advantage, a quick trip over the border will get you meds of a more serious nature OTC, you can still get tylonol & codeine OTC I believe. I have an "older" friend that uses trips into Mexico once a month to get his regular and OTC meds his medicine costs are about 40% of what he would be paying here!

 

[SweetErika]

was the driver illegally high? how in the blue hell does someone drive over top of another car?

i hope you get zero pain and a shit-pot full o' money (that you're willing to share with the rest of us maybe? lol).

Anything's possible, I suppose. I'm guessing he thought he could just gun it and make it around me. He didn't drive over my car, he drove into and sort of over the bumper (see pic-I'm a lousy explainer).

 

[Eilan]

Anything's possible, I suppose. I'm guessing he thought he could just gun it and make it around me. He didn't drive over my car, he drove into and sort of over the bumper (see pic-I'm a lousy explainer).

After looking at the pic, I agree with your initial assessment--that guy's a jackass! How on earth did he manage to do that? I HAVE to show this pic to my husband when he gets home from work!

Perhaps he was practicing for one of those Monster Truck races--only junk cars weren't good enough anymore, so he had to go for something a little more challenging.

*edited to say that my husband was really impressed with the tire marks next to your headlight.

 

[SweetErika]

After looking at the pic, I agree with your initial assessment--that guy's a jackass! How on earth did he manage to do that? I HAVE to show this pic to my husband when he gets home from work!

Perhaps he was practicing for one of those Monster Truck races--only junk cars weren't good enough anymore, so he had to go for something a little more challenging.

*edited to say that my husband was really impressed with the tire marks next to your headlight.

So maybe there's a reason why my neck hurts after all. I was in the right turn lane, stopped, and turning right. He was in the left/straight lane angled to the right with no turn signal or other indication he was actually turning right. I thought he came out of a gas station driveway and didn't have time to get angled in his lane properly. When our light turned green, he gunned it and turned right, and ran into me in the process. No witnesses stopped with us, and as far as I know, he told the cop a completely different story (so it was my word against his), and wasn't issued a citation. How any other story could be remotely believeable, I don't know (maybe your husband would?), but both the cop and my insurance company said he'd likely be found at fault.

 

[silverwhisper]

erika, depending on the kind of person you are, a lawsuit might be a consideration. >

ed

 

[SweetErika]

erika, depending on the kind of person you are, a lawsuit might be a consideration. >

ed

I'm certainly not a litigious person or one who is looking to profit off of something like this, Ed. I want my car restored to what it was before, my medical bills paid (and to make sure I can get treatment for anything resulting for this in the future), and lost wages mainly. Fair compensation for the fact that I'm stressed, hurting, and can't do anything might be nice, but I certainly won't expect/pursue it unless it continues for a longer period of time. But I agree keeping a journal and not relying on my memory is prudent, and greatly appreciate your thoughts.

 

[Eilan]

So maybe there's a reason why my neck hurts after all. I was in the right turn lane, stopped, and turning right. He was in the left/straight lane angled to the right with no turn signal or other indication he was actually turning right. I thought he came out of a gas station driveway and didn't have time to get angled in his lane properly. When our light turned green, he gunned it and turned right, and ran into me in the process. No witnesses stopped with us, and as far as I know, he told the cop a completely different story (so it was my word against his), and wasn't issued a citation. How any other story could be remotely believeable, I don't know (maybe your husband would?), but both the cop and my insurance company said he'd likely be found at fault.

I asked my husband about this, and I'm going to try to paraphrase:

First of all, did you move the vehicles after the crash? It's best if you don't, but that's not always feasible if you're at a busy intersection or on a busy interstate. My husband says that for future reference, you should keep a camera in your car so that if something like this happens again and you HAVE to move the car, you have a record of where the car was after the crash.

What were the weather conditions like? Were there any tire marks on the road? I would assume that the cop(s) who handled the crash would have checked for this, but you never know.

Frankly, my husband (and this is what HE would have done if he had handled your crash) was surprised that the other guy wasn't cited right then and there for an improper turn because it seems to be pretty clear that that's what happened. (Unless the other guy's feeding them a line of bullshit, which is possible.) I mentioned this earlier, but I'm going to repeat it: be sure to get a copy of the crash report.

For police officers who have experience in such things, it isn't all that difficult to determine who's at fault based on the damage done to the vehicle. My husband thought that the damage to your vehicle supported your story.

I would imagine that if your expenses mount, even without a citation, your insurance company will step in and do something. I don't blame you for being reluctant to sue, but I also think that you have every right to recoup your losses. This guy's a jackass who wasn't paying attention.

I hope that helps a bit. Your mileage may vary just because you're in a different state, but if you have any more questions for my husband, let me know.