Whiplash From a Car Accident

Some people refer to whiplash syndrome as a neck strain caused by the sudden movement of the head in a forceful forward, sideward, and backward motion. The abrupt head and neck movement cause the neck muscles and tendons to stretch, and because the movement is rapid, there could be an accompanying muscle and tendon tear. Whiplash also affects the ligaments of the neck, the sudden movement causing them to stretch and compress.

Whiplash syndrome symptoms include pain upon neck movement, neck muscle tightness, and reduced neck range of motion due to pain and tightness. Headaches may also be present, and it oftentimes radiates from the base of the skull all the way up to the forehead. In severe cases, nerve impingement may result in shoulder pain, pain that radiates down the extremity, muscle weakness and numbness, and neck spasms.

It’s not uncommon to suffer from a whiplash injury if you were involved in a rear-end auto accident. The collision will cause your whole body to slam against your seat as your car is pushed forward from the back. It will cause your head to snap back, compressing the structures located in this region. As the force continues to push your car forward, your seatbelt will try to keep you in place. However, this won’t stop your head from accelerating. It will stretch the neck muscles, tendons, and ligaments as your neck flexes. Your seatbelt will not also stop your head from hitting the steering wheel.

When the car comes to a sudden stop, this will cause your head to snap back again and hit the headrest. It often results in the sudden compression of neck structures such as the nerve roots, nerve, and intervertebral discs.

In auto accidents like this, you need to go to the hospital immediately, so laboratory tests like X-ray and MRI can be performed to assess the damage. Depending upon the injuries and symptoms you present, you may or may not be asked to stay the night at the hospital.

Treatment for whiplash from a car accident includes pain and anti-inflammatory medications to control pain and swelling. You may also be prescribed a neck brace to prevent undue stress to the neck area.

Physical therapy may also be prescribed to help control pain and improve the neck’s range of motion through gentle stretching and exercises. You can ice the area for 15-minute durations for about a couple of days and then apply hot packs to help with the pain and swelling.

The recovery period for whiplash syndrome depends upon the severity of your injuries. Mild cases usually resolve with rest and medications after a few days. For moderate cases, the recovery period may take weeks to even months if the damage is extensive and involves not just the neck muscles. Unfortunately, severe whiplash could last for much longer.

Whiplash injuries can affect your daily life and prevent you from doing your regular routines. The pain and other associated symptoms can affect how you perform your personal responsibilities and job responsibilities. If the doctor prescribed rest, you have no option but to stay off work for a few days to heal. It can take a toll on your finances, especially if your insurance company doesn’t cover some of the medications and treatment programs.