Back pain comes in many forms and is felt differently by each individual. If you were recently in a car accident, you can assume your pain is a result of that accident. What should you do about the pain?
Contact the Doctor
Before trying to take care of the injury on your own, you should have it checked out by your doctor to ensure it’s not more serious than you think it is. Back pain could be a sign of an issue with your spinal cord and could lead to injuries in other locations on your body. If your doctor recommends a certain procedure, discuss your options and maybe get a second opinion to be sure. Once you’re comfortable with the diagnosis and the remedy, follow your doctor’s orders so you can recover most quickly.
Use Ice and Heat
One way to reduce pain in your back is by applying ice, heat or both. Ice helps to reduce swelling, so that should be applied immediately following the injury, and for a few days following. Heat can increase swelling, so you would want to hold off on that until the swelling has gone down and the bruising has stopped. Heat does feel good to soothe pain and tight muscles, however, so you may want to use a heat pack intermittently with the ice pack.
Medicate
You can use over-the-counter medication such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen to help reduce the pain in your back. Ibuprofen also helps with inflammation, so that is often the first choice. If your injury is more serious, or the pain is not subsiding with regular pain killers, you may need to speak with your doctor about a stronger prescription to use.
Participate in Movement
You have to be really careful about movement after experiencing back pain in a car accident, but some movements can be productive. Speak with a doctor, physical therapist, chiropractor or massage therapist about some exercises you can do to strengthen your back without causing more pain. If any of the movements you make cause more pain, stop that movement and speak with a professional about it.
Finding a Lawyer Who Can Help
After a car accident, injuries can show up days or weeks later, as a catastrophic injury lawyer in Las Vegas, NV, like from The Law Office of Eglet Adams, can explain. If you have started to experience pain in your back, it could be the indication of something more serious. After seeking help from your doctor, find a car accident lawyer who can help you get a case started.