There are over 3 million new cases of whiplash each year.
Does whiplash got your neck?
If you are in a car accident, there’s a good chance you will experience whiplash. Whiplash is one of the most common injuries sustained in car accidents.
For some, the symptoms of whiplash can take days or even weeks to appear. Even if you don’t feel sore right away, you still could have whiplash.
It’s important to keep in mind that if you are ever in a car accident, you should seek medical attention immediately. If you aren’t comfortable going to the emergency room, visit your family doctor as soon as possible.
He or she will be able to give you a comprehensive exam and identify any problems, including whiplash, that you may not know are there.
Keep reading to learn more about the symptoms of whiplash that you need to look out for.
Symptoms of Whiplash
Whiplash occurs when your head and neck quickly snap forward and backward. Your cervical spine then receives too much pressure.
While the symptoms of whiplash can vary by individual, there are some common symptoms to look out for. If you think you are experiencing any signs of this issue, contact a New York Whiplash Injury Doctor today.
Pain in the Neck and Upper Back
Pain in your neck and upper back are the most common symptoms of whiplash.
You may also have a limited range of motion in your neck. This is caused by damage to your muscles and ligaments.
You may experience pain radiating up your neck, across your shoulders, and between your shoulder blades. It’s also possible for whiplash to cause your spinal nerves to tear.
This can lead to herniated discs, disc degeneration, irritation, and compression in your spine. If you are experiencing any pain or discomfort in your spine you should seek a chiropractor immediately. You might experience upper back pain, arm pain, shoulder pain, numbness in your limbs, and muscle weakness.
Dizziness and Headaches
The second most common sign of a whiplash injury is a headache.
Damage to muscles, ligaments, or your spine cause these headaches. If you are experiencing headaches after a collision, seek medical treatment as they could be a sign of a brain injury.
Dizziness can also signal a brain injury, but more commonly is caused by injury to the facet joints in your cervical spine.
Pain in the Lower Back
Whiplash can also cause injury to your lower back.
What often happens is the discs in your lower back become compressed. This is especially common when a vehicle strikes the side of your car.
This type of pain can become chronic, so seeking treatment early is important.
Whiplash Got Your Neck?
If a car accident got your neck, you should get checked out by a medical doctor as soon as possible.
Even if you don’t experience symptoms at the scene, the accident may have caused damage that will become apparent sooner or later. Getting a head start on treatment will increase your prognosis.
For more road safety tips, check out our blog.
