When you think of car accidents, you might imagine broken bones, cuts, bruises or some other visible injury. However, these are not the only effects that a car crash can have on your body. In fact, one of the most common types of car accident injuries is often overlooked: whiplash.
Whiplash refers to a type of neck strain that usually comes from a jerking motion in a rear-end collision or sudden stop. Even if you do not notice any pain or other symptoms after an accident, this type of strain can have lasting effects on your body.
Medical issues
If you experience any form of sudden neck distortion in a car accident, you may have nerve and muscle damage, herniated discs, torn ligaments and other problems. The most common symptom is neck pain, which sometimes does not come on until a few days after the accident. Headaches, vertigo and memory loss can also accompany whiplash.
Recovery
The National Center of Biotechnology Information reported that within three months after experiencing whiplash, about 50% of patients recover. Depending on your condition, you may treat whiplash with drugs such as pain medications and muscle relaxants. Some physical therapy and exercise could also help you get over the disorder. Of course, it is important that you speak to your doctor about treatment first.
Whiplash can be scary, but you may have a smoother and faster recovery if you take the right measures early on. Be patient with yourself and if you notice any new problems, be sure to address them as soon as possible.
