Whiplash is arguably one of the most common injuries you could sustain in a car accident. The impact most likely resulted in a thrashing movement of your head and neck causing trauma.
While not as readily noticeable as other physical injuries, it can have severe repercussions. Leaving it untreated could impact your life in the long term and trigger chronic pain.
Symptoms
Whiplash might look different depending on your age, the area of impact and whether you were wearing your seatbelt, for example. According to The Mayo Clinic, whiplash symptoms could include the following:
- Loss of range of motion
- Sleep disturbances
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Difficulty concentrating
Consequences
Ignoring your symptoms can cause cervicogenic headaches. This can trigger chronic fatigue. You might feel occasional flare-ups of pain that originate from the pain site. The pain can feel sharp and emanate to other areas of your body. This could eventually impact your use of your extremities.
Treatment
You can receive treatment for whiplash in several ways. A doctor may give you a foam neck brace to stabilize the area. You will need to wear it for a designated period until your neck heals properly. You could also consider chiropractic treatments to realign your neck and spine and help treat recurring pain. Massage therapy and other resources may improve your healing experience.
Understanding the dangers of untreated whiplash may encourage you to seek treatment. Getting the help you need can prevent pain from interfering with your life and the things you enjoy.
