Due to immense force in a car accident, it is rare to walk away from it completely pain free. Many injuries that are caused by an accident often take time to manifest, particularly soft tissue injuries such as whiplash. Whiplash commonly occurs in rear-end collisions. Whiplash happens when a forceful impact causes the head to snap back and forth violently in a whip-like fashion.
The following hours and days after an accident are very important to your health. It is imperative to seek medical attention right away, even if you do not feel injured because injuries such as whiplash can take time to show. The following are just a few common whiplash symptoms:
- Neck stiffness.
- Persistent neck pain.
- Headaches.
- Pain between shoulder blades.
- Numbness or tingling sensation in arms, hands, or fingers.
- Pain in upper back.
- Pain in shoulder area.
- Balance problems.
- Pain in lower back.
- Dizziness or blurry vision.
- Difficulty concentrating.
- Memory problems.
- Difficulty sleeping.
- Depression.
Contrary to what most people believe, whiplash can occur from the slightest impact in an accident. Many factors contribute to whiplash during a collision, such as the position of the injured person’s head and the position of head restraints.
How Is Whiplash Treated?
It can be difficult to diagnose whiplash. Car accidents usually cause a rush of adrenaline immediately following the collision, which can mask pain. Whiplash is also undetectable on an X-ray, where damaged muscles, ligaments, nerves, and discs are not immediately apparent.
Discussing your symptoms with a medical professional or your provider is key to diagnosing whiplash. Some diagnostic tests, such as an MRI, may be used if the injury is severe enough, which can confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment for whiplash largely depends on the severity of the injury. Wearing a neck brace is one of many first steps to take after diagnosis. A neck brace can help the injured area heal properly. A doctor may also recommend physical therapy or chiropractic therapy, where you can lead specific stretches and exercises to help with the healing process. Additionally, pain medication, muscle relaxants, and massage therapy may also be recommended. If the damage is extensive, surgery may be necessary.
Recovery for whiplash varies as well. It is common for whiplash to heal after two or three weeks, but serious cases can last upwards to a year or more. Unfortunately, especially if left untreated, whiplash can become a chronic painful condition and may last for decades.
Perhaps the biggest misconception of whiplash is that it is not a serious injury. However, it can affect the spine and the nerves, which can suffer significant damage in a car accident. Whiplash can lead to long-term and debilitating problems.
After a whiplash diagnosis, it is important to seek medical attention right away. If you suffered whiplash due to a car accident, you should enlist the help of a car accident lawyer. A car accident lawyer can go over the details of the accident.
Alexandria Car Accident Lawyers at the Law Offices of Duane O. King Help Injured Accident Survivors Suffering From Whiplash
Whiplash is a common car accident injury, leading to painful and sometimes long-lasting symptoms. If you have been injured in an accident, contact one of our Alexandria car accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Duane O. King. Call us at 202-331-1963 or fill out our online form for a free consultation. Located in Washington, D.C., Alexandria, Virginia, and National Harbor, Maryland, we serve clients in Prince George’s County, including Laurel, Beltsville, Adelphi, College Park, Greenbelt, Mitchellville, Woodmore, Greater Upper Marlboro, Springdale, Largo, Bowie, Capitol Heights, District Heights, Forestville, Suitland, Seat Pleasant, Clinton, Oxon Hill, Temple Hills, and Fort Washington.
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