Have you ever been involved in a car accident and experienced pain and stiffness in your neck? If this is the case, you may have experienced an injury called whiplash.
What is whiplash, you ask?
This guide will explain how it occurs, what its symptoms are, and how it can be treated. It will help you understand how to respond to a situation in which you have suffered from whiplash from a car accident.
What Is Whiplash?
Whiplash is a neck injury that occurs when there is forceful, rapid back-and-forth movement of the neck.
One of the most common injuries that can occur during a car accident, specifically from a rear-end car collision is whiplash. This kind of injury occurs when the neck violently and quickly snaps back and forward in rapid succession.
When whiplash occurs, the muscles in the neck have extended beyond their normal range of motion, thus leading to a strain in the neck. This is due to the tear of muscles and tendons.
The Symptoms of Whiplash
You may not experience the symptoms of whiplash immediately after the injury has occurred. Whiplash symptoms may appear within days of the incident that cause the whiplash.
Among the most common symptoms associated with whiplash include neck pain and stiffness, tenderness, headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, and limited mobility. A person with whiplash may experience tightness in the neck, which feels like a knot is in place. Moving the head over the shoulder may worsen the pain so do not make this type of movement.
Whiplash may also lead to the following symptoms: ringing in the ears, irritability, trouble sleeping, and chronic pain around the areas affected. These symptoms are less common. They should still be taken seriously.
Seeking Treatment for Whiplash
Consider applying ice on the affected area. This can be done for 15 minutes, every 3-4 hours to help reduce the pain and swelling.
Painkillers such as Tylenol, Advil, and Motrin can help relieve pain. It is important to consult your primary care provider before you make any decisions to take any of these medications. These medications can cause side effects.
In some cases, physical therapy, chiropractic care, or complementary and alternative medicine approaches may be necessary. Massage therapy and acupuncture can provide some relief as well.
Even if you believe you are fine, or believe that the symptoms will go away, you still need to seek treatment for whiplash. The last thing you want to experience is significant complications that can affect your quality of life.
If you have been involved in a car accident and suffer from whiplash, make sure you seek medical attention. An article from sweetlaw.com discusses the importance of seeking treatment if you have experienced this type of injury after being involved in a car accident.
This Is a Serious Injury
Whiplash is an injury that should be taken seriously because of its implications. If you have been involved in a car accident, you have asked yourself, “What is whiplash?” Now that you know what this type of injury is, you can identify symptoms and seek treatment.
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