Time interval the symptoms of whiplash appearance after a car accident is the indicator of the level of whiplash if symptoms appear soon after the accident, then they are considered as a serious cause of concern.
A whiplash injury does not worst bleeding or fracture the bones , whiplash damages the soft tissues, tendons, and muscles of the neck, and spine area. To identify the part of injury, the victim must get a detailed chiropractic checkup because x-ray could not detect whiplash injury well . Whiplash injury only visible in CAT scans or ultrasounds.
There are 3 most common symptoms of a whiplash:
1. Severe Headache - Dizziness - Vertigo
2. Pain or stiffness in the neck ( Whiplash Neck Injury )
3. Lower back pain
The source of the pain in such an injury is the neck area. Tenderness or swelling can occur in the neck because of a whiplash. Spasms frequently occur in the vertebral column, hence affecting the lower back area. Headaches sometimes occur spasmodically, and sometimes constantly. The centre of headaches keeps shifting from one point to another, usually towards the shoulder area. This headache feels like tension headaches, with severe pain behind the eyes.
Other minor whiplash symptoms are ;
- Less physical in nature
- Lack of concentration or focus also remembering the facts
- Nausea,
- Numbness or pain in the arms, hands or legs,
- Blurred vision,
- Difficulty in swallowing,
- Irritability,
- Anxiety,
- Fatigue
- Pain in the jaw-line or facial area.
- Pain between the shoulder blades
- A ringing sound in the ears
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering facts
- Sleep disturbances
If the symptoms do not subside with even with proper medical care, then there are chances that these may develop into whiplash syndrome. The condition of the patient becomes complex with various psychological disorders like trauma, fear, depression, and a sense of being wronged. These factors hamper the recovery process.
Adequate precautions should be taken while driving against all unforeseen accidents. Proper head rests, and seat belts ensure your safety to a considerable extent. Symptoms of a whiplash should not be taken lightly if they are not strong in magnitude. Consulting a physician on a regular basis will keep you out of the hospital bed, on your own feet.
What Should We Do When We Think Have Whiplash? Just be examined by your doctor whatever the symptoms present themselves, and no matter how severe or minor they seem. Whilst most whiplash injuries lead to a complete and quick recovery, some can linger far longer and sometimes people can suffer a broken neck. This is why it is worth taking a quick visit to be properly assessed by a medical professional. A few minutes of your time could save you a lot of long term pain and suffering.
If you are diagnosed with whiplash injury, then there really is no direct treatment for this injury other than to take care of the pain and wait for the area to heal. Most of the time, immobilization, rest, heat and ice, and oral pain medications can make the healing process easier. Sometimes, muscle massages can help, as well.
