Whiplash is a common injury sustained by victims of automobile accidents. As an injury that often becomes apparent later on after the accident, not immediately, it’s important for whiplash victims to seek treatment as soon as possible. If you’ve been in a car accident, it’s wise to schedule an appointment with a motor vehicle injury care specialist, such as the staff at Florida Wellness Medical Group, to identify possible injuries.
Let’s learn more about whiplash and the treatment options available for this prevalent auto accident injury.
What Is Whiplash?
When an event (such as a car crash) causes a sudden, forceful movement of the head backward and forward, whiplash often occurs. This injury affects the neck and may sometimes be referred to as a neck strain or a neck sprain.
Common symptoms of whiplash include:
- Pain and stiffness in the neck that becomes worse with movement
- Reduced range of motion in the neck
- Dizziness
- Headaches, usually stemming from the base of the skull
- Persistent fatigue
- Pain in the upper back, shoulders, or arms
- Arm tingling or numbness
Patients may also experience blurred vision, poor sleep, ringing in the ears, irritability, trouble focusing, and memory issues, though these symptoms are less common.
Symptoms of whiplash typically develop within a day of the accident. In some instances, it may take multiple days for symptoms to appear.
Whiplash After An Auto Accident
Whiplash is common after car accidents, the impact of which can force the neck to quickly and aggressively move back and forth. Rear-end car accidents are the most common type of crash to cause whiplash. Whiplash can occur even in minor Florida auto accidents with cars traveling at just 14 miles per hour or slower. This is one reason why the possibility of whiplash is often initially overlooked after an accident.
Treatment For Whiplash
Whiplash typically heals after a few weeks of treatment. That said, to avoid lasting complications from whiplash, it’s important to seek medical care as soon as possible. Your doctor may recommend over-the-counter pain medication or prescription medication as needed. Physical therapy and chiropractic care can also be beneficial in whiplash treatment.
Physical Therapy
The neck pain and stiffness that occurs with whiplash is a result of joint and tissue inflammation. Physical therapy exercises can help ease this inflammation for pain relief and restored range of motion. Your physical therapist will recommend gentle exercises as your treatment progresses, as well as recommend cold therapy as needed.
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care can also help in whiplash treatment. Chiropractic adjustment, relaxation techniques, and lifestyle changes may be included in your chiropractic treatment plan for whiplash. These methods will help ease swelling in the neck and surrounding areas to broaden your range of motion.
Contact Florida Wellness Medical Group for whiplash treatment options after an auto accident.