Among the many injuries that are sustained in auto accidents, whiplash is the most common. Whiplash is likely a term that you’ve heard before, but while you may have thought of it as a fairly minor condition, chronic pain can be the end result.
What is whiplash?
According to the Mayo Clinic, whiplash is injury caused by “forceful, rapid back-and-forth movement of the neck, like the cracking of a whip.” As explained by Healthline, whiplash happens when the soft tissues of your neck (muscles, tendons and ligaments) extend beyond the normal range of motion. This can cause the soft tissues of your neck to stretch and tear, leading to whiplash.
Symptoms of whiplash
While many symptoms typically occur within 24 hours of the accident, pain may not be felt until a few days after the collision. Symptoms of whiplash may include:
- Tenderness or pain felt in the neck, head, shoulders, upper back, or arms
- Stiffness
- Limited or loss of range of motion
- Tingling sensations or numbness
- Weakness felt in an arm or leg
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Concentration and/or memory issues
- Ringing of the ears
- Bladder or bowel issues
Treatment for whiplash
Many individuals who suffer from whiplash are hesitant to receive proper treatment. We can’t tell you how many auto accident victims we have known who put off medical treatment because it was “just whiplash.” Unfortunately, the injury can become much worse without proper treatment and therapy. A whiplash injury can lead to chronic pain of the neck or other ongoing issues.
It is important to seek appropriate medical care as soon as you feel pain. Sadly, if medical treatment is delayed, you may negatively impact not only your health, but also your ability to be adequately compensated for your injuries. Many auto accident victims with whiplash injuries recover successfully with chiropractic care and/or physical therapy.
While some auto accident victims may feel 100% after a few weeks of treatment, others may require a longer and/or more intensive care schedule. Every individual is different, and so is every whiplash injury case.
If you were hurt in a wreck caused by someone else, it’s important that you seek proper medical care and contact an experienced lawyer as soon as possible. Top-rated injury attorney Rob Baskerville is dedicated to helping car accident victims get justice and fair compensation for their losses. Call or text us at (505) 247-2774 for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.