The first few minutes and hours following a car accident can be physically and mentally traumatic. All parties involved in a car accident can hopefully walk away without major injuries. However, what happens next, especially if you think you sustained a whiplash injury?
Studies show that neck injuries are one of the most common types of injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident. Whiplash accounts for a large percentage of these.
Whiplash occurs when the head is suddenly thrown backward and then forward. This rapid movement can damage the muscles, ligaments and other soft tissues. Rear-end collisions are the most common cause of whiplash.
Common Signs of Whiplash
Recognizing the symptoms of whiplash is crucial for seeking timely treatment. Here are five common signs to watch for if you suspect you might have sustained a whiplash injury:
- Neck Pain and Stiffness
Neck pain is the most common symptom of whiplash. The pain can range from mild discomfort to severe pain, often accompanied by stiffness. Moving your head from side to side or up and down can make it difficult.
- Headaches
Another common symptom is headaches that start at the base of the skull and radiate toward the forehead. These headaches can be persistent and may worsen with movement.
- Shoulder and Upper Back Pain
The pain from whiplash can extend beyond the neck to the shoulders and upper back, causing additional discomfort and may be accompanied by muscle spasms.
- Dizziness and Vertigo
Dizziness and vertigo can occur, making you feel unsteady or lightheaded. This can affect your balance and coordination.
- Numbness and Tingling
You may experience numbness or tingling in your arms and hands. This may be due to nerve compression or irritation in the cervical spine. It can be a sign of more severe injury.
Initial Assessment and Diagnosis
If you have been in a car accident recently and have not yet seen a doctor, consider attending a local emergency room to get properly assessed. This is particularly true if you think you have experienced whiplash.
Upon arrival at the emergency room, a doctor will assess your symptoms and medical history. This will include the following:
- Medical history – your doctor will obtain relevant history about the car crash and symptoms that you have experienced. Information about your past medical history and current medications will also be asked.
- Physical examination: Your doctor will evaluate your neck’s range of motion and check for areas of tenderness around the neck and back. They may also carry out tests that examine the motion of your back, shoulder, arms and legs.
- Imaging tests—If required, diagnostic tests, such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs, may be ordered to rule out fractures or other serious injuries.
Treating Whiplash
If you experience symptoms of whiplash, seeking prompt medical attention at your local emergency room is essential. The following are some effective treatments that may be recommended:
Pain Management
Pain management is an important aspect of whiplash treatment. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help reduce pain and inflammation.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is often utilized to help restore mobility and strength to the neck muscles. A physical therapist will guide you through exercises designed to improve flexibility, reduce pain and prevent further injury.
Immobilization
In some cases, wearing a soft cervical collar may be advised to limit the movement of your neck and allow the tissues to heal for a period of time. However, prolonged collar use is generally not recommended since it can lead to muscle weakness. Immobilization should only be used per your doctor’s recommendation and under their guidance.
Heat and Cold Therapy
Applying ice packs to the neck 48 hours after the injury can help reduce swelling and pain. Heat therapy, with warm compresses or heating pads, can then help relax muscles and improve blood flow to the area.
Follow-Up Care
Follow-up care is important for monitoring your recovery and adjusting your treatment plan. If your symptoms persist, your doctor may recommend additional therapies or refer you to a specialist.
Prognosis
The time it takes to recover from a whiplash injury depends on factors like the cause, the mechanism of injury and your overall health status. It will also depend on the treatments themselves and how effective they are. Most people will recover fully from a whiplash injury and regain their normal range of motion. However, if your situation has not improved in two to four weeks or appears to be worsening, then be sure to speak to your doctor.
24 Hour Emergency Room in Houston
Each Life Savers Houston Emergency Room location is equipped to handle life threatening conditions quickly. Your emergency or concern is our priority! Life Savers 24 Hour Emergency Room is your Houston Emergeny Room for immediate definite care. Do not hesitate to call us today or stop by one of our 24 hour houston ER locations: Willowbrook Emergency Room, Heights Emergency Room, or Summerwood Emergency Room.
References
- https://academic.oup.com/tse/article/1/2/89/5618803
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0001457520300713
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/whiplash/symptoms-causes/syc-20378921
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/11982-whiplash
