Whiplash question and physical therepy?

My husband was in a car accident approx. 2 mos. ago. He was in PT for 4 weeks. He will be going back to his main care doctor this week but should he apply hot or cold compresses to his neck? I thought it was warm to relax and cold after any therapy or working. He is 63 planning to retire at 66. We are thinking about sueing also. Never done this before. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Whiplash is a soft tissue injury to the neck. Whiplash is also called neck sprain or neck strain. It is characterized by a collection of symptoms that occur following damage to the neck, usually because of sudden extension and flexion. The disorder commonly occurs as the result of an automobile accident and may include injury to intervertebral joints, discs, and ligaments, cervical muscles, and nerve roots. Symptoms such as neck pain may be present directly after the injury or may be delayed for several days. In addition to neck pain, other symptoms may include:
neck stiffness,
injuries to the muscles and ligaments (myofascial injuries),
headache,
dizziness,
abnormal sensations such as burning or prickling (paresthesias),
shoulder or back pain.

In addition, some people experience cognitive, somatic, or psychological conditions such as:
memory loss,
concentration impairment,
nervousness/irritability,
sleep disturbances,
fatigue or;
depression.
Is there any treatment for whiplash?

Treatment for individuals with whiplash may include pain medications, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antidepressants, muscle relaxants, and a cervical collar (usually worn for 2 to 3 weeks). Range of motion exercises, physical therapy, and cervical traction may also be prescribed. Supplemental heat application may relieve muscle tension.

What is the prognosis for whiplash?

Generally, prognosis for individuals with whiplash is good. The neck and head pain clears within a few days or weeks. Most patients recover within 3 months after the injury, however, some may continue to have residual neck pain and headaches.

I had two accidents that cause whiplash and further damage. Ice on the neck, you want to reduce the swelling which in turn will reduce the pain. If you only have whiplash and that is verified by a doc then you can care for it at home. Not much PT for the neck. I would sue. Your husband will have problems for the rest of his life with that injury, a lawyer will tell you soft tissue injury will get you some help financially. You may need it for medical bills. I know, it lingers and I am only 45 spending the last 10 yrs with pain then after a recent accident four years ago and 5 surgeries one being a neck disc. I wish your husband well.

If there is swelling, then ice. However, it may be whatever treatment method your husband feels provides the most relief. I have worked with patients in the past and have started with moist heat - done exercises and then put on ice. If you will just be choosing one - let him see what works best - I have had some patients respond better to heat (I personally am that type of person) and some respond better to ice. Just be sure not to leave them on too long and always put a layer of cloth between the ice/heat and his skin. Good luck.

I too, was in a car wreck in this past February. I thought therapy would be OK, it worked for awhile. On doctor said I should use ice (the therapist). The neurologist said whatever I felt comfortable with. My all means get a attorney. Make sure he/she specializes in auto claims, with a good claim you shouldn't have to pay anything up front as they will do it for a percentage. Don't rush into any settlement, I wanted to, but my husband told me to wait. Glad I did, I am now having more complications than I ever dreamed of, it's like a sleeping giant woke up and is now attacking my body. Also, some of the pain has been so bad that I was sent to a pain clinic and was given a tens unit to wear. By the way, I was a front seat passenger of a car that skidded under the semi's tractor that was blocking the road. Make sure you keep records of all medical expenses, time lost and include pain and suffering (including depression or anxiety). Good luck.

You have good instincts...this is the most common way we use cold/heat in physical therapy. Use cold after any strenuous activity or anything that could have inflammed it, and heat for "general aches and pains" throughout the day to relax muscles.

He still has time to recover, but the decision to seek litigation is a personal one. A lawyer could give you better advice and probably a free consultation.