To ask if a doctor can do anything ?

[Dishwashersaurous]

Not really an AIBU but there's no traffic on the health boards.

Yesterday I was involved in a minor car collision when a car went into the back of me. Only about 5 miles an hour, minor damage to bumper etc. But felt a massive jolt.

Yesterday, immediately after it happened lower back was sore.

Now this morning it's really painful. Have managed to shower, dress etc but very aware of the pain there as a constant pain. Have taken painkillers.

Is there any point trying to see a doctor, probably too late for a gp appointment today, and if so can they do anything other than stronger painkillers.

You would be better seeing physio privately asap.
Have you reported the accident and got the other driver's details?
You can claim the cost of physio as part of your insurance claim.
Get a written report and invoice.

Just take regular paracetamol and ibuprofen and keep mobile. At that speed it’s highly unlikely you’ve done anything significant other than a bit of muscle strain which will recover nicely over the next few days.

Unless you’re thinking of making money from putting a claim as countless people do to make cash out of tiny accidents; either way just get mobile-you will feel much better that way.

Thanks all.

Part of the reason I posted is that when I Google the only thing that comes up are links to personal injury solicitors.

And absolutely not thinking about claiming

It's just that I'm om the train to work trying not to cry because it hurts so much and wondering what to do

Yes, they can do painkillers and refer to physio, there might be some wait - depending on the situation in your area.
I personally would contact GP asap.

You don't sound well enough to work, you may need to see GP to get signed off.

I would try and see a GP, they may be able to refer to physio if needed. Also I don’t like the claim culture but if it’s really affecting you then it’s good to have it on record in case you need to for loss of work etc.

We've all had this at some point. It will get better in a few days, so it's just "therapeutic use of time" and no point seeing a doctor. I say this as someone close to many qualified medics who would have just laughed at me if I'd tried to book a GP appointment after a minor shunt like this!

I think you do need to make a claim. You will need time off work. You will need medication. That's exactly what Insurance is for.

It might take upwards of 6 weeks to get a physio referral and that might only be a phone call. This is definitely the situation in my area.
The thing with this type of injury is that a prompt physio session and follow up exercises can mean the difference between a proper recovery and chronic back pain.
I am not suggesting a compensation lawyer at all, just inform your insurance company that you have been involved in a minor accident and tell them what happened.
Then if you find you need more treatment at least they know.

So what I am saying is don't bother with the GP route.

Update.

I saw GP this morning as pain all down back and into arms was excruciating.

Classic whiplash diagnosis.

Lots of strong painkillers and I've managed to sleep

Good. It was good you reported it to GP.

You need a physio. Ring the surgery and ask for a physio appointment. No need to see gp first.

Why didn't you want to claim any compo out of interest?

Whiplash needs physio asap and it may need to continue for some time.
I have known people still needing physio years after their accident, often needing to pay for it privately.
Maybe you should reconsider making a claim.
Private physio is around £50 a session.

All I would say is report it to your insurers. This happened to me and I thought I'd just get on with it as it was a low speed impact - and it would "just get better nicely".

Well it did now and sometimes I struggle to get out of bed it's so painful.

My dh had an accident like that and the pain in his shoulders got so bad he was literally roaring in pain and had to get injections. No insurance claim as he hadn't even taken the guys details as it was such a small tip. Pain came from clutching the steering wheel so hard at the moment of impact...he thinks.
Remember whiplash can continue to cause issues ongoing so don't be too quick to say no compensation as you may need ongoing physio.
I had a slight tip and ever since l find it very difficult to look over my left shoulder eg when reversing and it has proven to be a weak point ever since.

Morning all.

Just to update. Pain is still really bad, just about managing with strong painkillers but haven't been able to do anything at all.

Insurers have been notified.

Nothing like this has ever happened to me before, in decades of life.

Obviously supposed to go to work today but don't know how I'm going to manage it. And haven't been able to do anything with the children.

A seemingly innocuous shunt, has had a profound negative impact

Have you got a physio appointment?
Please prioritise that. It is really important.

Make a decision about claiming when you know how serious your injury is. If it goes on for months and you need physio then their insurance will cover it/repay you. There is nothing wrong with making a claim for a genuine injury!

I wasn't sure about seeing a physio when it's still so incredibly painful, or whether to let it settle a bit first.
I can't really move it so would not be possible to do stretch etc