Over 2 million Americans experience whiplash each year. While this injury is very common, it can be tricky to diagnose and some suffer for years after. Here are some important facts to know about whiplash.
What is whiplash?
Whiplash occurs when your neck is suddenly moved back and forth often in a whip like motion. This happens due to the law of inertia as your head, neck, and body move at different speeds. Your neck then extends or compresses too quickly often leading to injury. The sharpness and strength of the force will impact the movement of your neck and severity of injury. Even weak forces can cause moderate or severe whiplash.
What can cause whiplash?
Whiplash can happen anytime your body experiences a sudden change in motion that overstretches the joints, muscles and ligaments of the neck and upper back. The most common cause is car accidents especially front and rear end collisions. Remember even low forces such as 5 to 10 mph in a car accident can cause whiplash and damage. High impact sports such as football, hockey, rugby, snowboarding, skiing, boxing, and gymnastics can also cause whiplash. Even roller coasters or a fall can lead to whiplash. Additionally older adults and those with previous neck problems such as arthritis can have a greater risk of developing more serious injuries from whiplash.
What are the symptoms of whiplash?
Depending on the amount of force and severity of the compression or extension, injuries involving whiplash greatly vary. Whiplash affects everyone differently so pay attention to how you feel. After an accident, you may feel symptoms immediately, in a few hours, days or even weeks later. If you’ve experienced whiplash, look for any of the following symptoms and get checked out by a physician. Do not dismiss or ignore your symptoms.
- Neck pain
- Stiffness when moving
- Tenderness when touched near or on injury
- Pain radiating to head, face, shoulder, or back
- Muscle spasms
- Bruising or swelling
- Muscle weakness
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Numbness in neck, upper back, shoulders, or upper arms
- Burning, tingling, or “pins and needles” feeling
- Vision problems
What should I do if I’ve experienced whiplash?
Most importantly monitor your body and get checked out by a professional. Do not ignore any symptoms and pay special attention to anything neurological in nature such as dizziness, headaches, vision issues, and numbness. If you’ve been in an accident or have an injury, you may want legal help. Check out this post about when to get legal help after an injury. Here at Donner Applewhite, we care about your well-being, so please reach out with any questions.