Have you received treatment for a car accident recently?
If so, then you likely still have many questions in your mind. What should the recovery process be like? What side effects can I expect? How can I ensure that I heal in the most effective way possible?
One of the most common injuries from a car accident is whiplash. Whiplash is a soft tissue injury that can affect the neck and upper back.
In this post, we’ll be outlining the key signs of whiplash and how you can its effects moving forward. Let’s get right into it!
1. Neck Pain and Stiffness
Neck pain and stiffness due to whiplash is one of the most common signs of a car accident. Whiplash occurs when the head and neck are jerked suddenly beyond the normal range of motion.
If you experience pain or stiffness in your neck after a car accident, it could be a sign that you have whiplash. The pain may be mild or severe, and it may radiate to your shoulders or upper back.
It’s important to seek medical assistance immediately following a car accident. Neck pain and stiffness due to whiplash can be a sign of more serious neck and spinal injuries.
An evaluation by a qualified medical professional can help diagnose and provide treatment for any potential injuries due to whiplash. Depending on the severity of your whiplash, you may need to see an auto injury chiropractor or physical therapist for treatment.
2. Headaches
Headaches due to whiplash can be an alarming side effect of a car accident, even if your car sustains little damage. If you have experienced a car accident, pay attention to any headaches.
This should always be brought to the attention of your doctor or an accident specialist. Headaches can be an early warning sign of whiplash, and you shouldn’t wait to get a proper diagnosis.
These headaches are usually located at the base of the skull and can be very painful. Headaches may be persistent or come and go, and they may be accompanied by dizziness or nausea.
3. Shoulder Pain
Symptoms associated with whiplash, such as shoulder pain, may be particularly severe as it is one of the most common areas of the body most injured during a car accident. Pain can be throbbing or stabbing, occurring in the front, back, top, or side of the shoulder.
It is often accompanied by headaches, dizziness, ringing in the ears, and other mentioned symptoms. Pain may range from mild to severe, and the area will feel sensitive to touch, especially with movement.
Additionally, numbness, or tingling, in the arms or hands are further indicators of shoulder pain due to whiplash.
4. Back Pain
Back pain due to whiplash can result from a car accident. Whiplash can cause pain in the upper back. The pain may be located between the shoulder blades or lower back. It may be mild or severe and may make it difficult to move.
5. Jaw Pain
Jaw pain is one of the tell-tale signs of whiplash after a car accident. While it may not be the first symptom to present itself, it is vital to pay attention to any jaw pain after an accident.
This pain may be mild or severe, making it difficult to open your mouth. You may also experience clicking or popping sounds when you move your jaw.If jaw pain is present after a vehicle accident, it’s best to seek medical treatment immediately. The earlier a condition is diagnosed, the easier it is to treat.
6. Fatigue
Many people do not realize that fatigue can be a sign of whiplash. After a car accident, it is crucial to check your fatigue levels, as this could be a sign of whiplash that may not have been noticed.
If you are feeling exhausted go to your doctor and get checked out to ensure you have not experienced whiplash. Even if other symptoms were not present, it is still possible that damage occurred to the soft tissue of the neck and shoulders, which can cause pain and fatigue over time.
If you have whiplash, you may experience fatigue. This may be mild or severe, making it difficult to concentrate or stay awake. You may also feel like you need to rest more than usual.
7. Difficulty Sleeping
One of the signs of whiplash to watch out for after a car wreck is difficulty sleeping. When sleeping, whiplash pain may cause you to wake up frequently. It disrupts sleep patterns and makes it difficult for you to find a comfortable sleep position.
In addition to sleep disturbances, you may be unable to get a whole night of restorative sleep. You might wake up tired and unrested.
8. Mood Changes
Mood changes due to whiplash can range from mild to severe and can include feeling sad, irritable, or overwhelmed. A person may experience depression or anxiety due to changes linked to their physical health.To ensure proper diagnosis and treatment, it is vital to pay attention to the changes in mood or physical symptoms that may lead to whiplash.
9. Vision Problems
Vision problems can be among the signs of whiplash to watch out for after a car accident. Up to 50% of people suffering from whiplash may experience visual disturbances such as blurry and double vision.If you have whiplash, you may experience vision problems. You may have blurred vision or double vision. You may also be more sensitive to light.
Other symptoms to look out for include impaired vision or altered visual sensations. Sometimes, people may also experience difficulty converging or diverging their eyes.Early treatment and diagnosis of whiplash reduce the chances of the condition becoming chronic. This is to avoid any permanent or lasting damage to vision.
Be Aware of These Signs of Whiplash
Always be aware of signs of whiplash after a car accident, even if you may not think you were injured. From neck pain to changes in hearing, catch the symptoms early to reduce the chances of long-term damage.
If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately. Document your injuries and any medical treatment you receive. This documentation may be vital if you file a personal injury claim.
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