Symptoms of Whiplash
Whiplash symptoms can be tricky to notice right away because they can show up in the hours and even days after the time of the accident. The shock and stress of getting into a car accident can sometimes mask any pain and discomfort you may have right after the incident. It is also common for the adrenaline rush of being in an accident to hide symptoms you might have at first. Once you have a chance to settle down and relax after the initial incident, you may start to notice symptoms creep in.
Common symptoms of whiplash include headaches and sore, stiff muscles. Whiplash occurs when your head and neck are flung forward and backward rapidly due to the force or impact of the accident. This causes your neck muscles to strain and stretch out of their normal range of motion, leading to sore, tender, and stiff neck muscles. When your head gets shaken up in an accident, headaches are a common response. You should also talk to your doctor if you notice any symptoms of tingling or numbness, as this can be a sign that the whiplash injury has affected the nerves around your spine.
Diagnosing Whiplash
Providing your doctor with a detailed description of your symptoms helps them to properly diagnose you with whiplash. It is helpful to note when you experienced each of your symptoms and whether or not they have gotten worse over time. There is no single test that can diagnose whiplash, so a combination of your experiences paired with a physical examination and diagnostic images can help your doctor to accurately diagnose your whiplash injury.
Your doctor may wish to run diagnostic imaging tests on your head, neck, and even your upper back to get a clearer picture of how your spine, muscles, and other soft tissues may have been affected by the injury. An X-ray will give your doctor a clear picture of how the bones of your spine were affected and can help to rule out any fractures. A CT scan or MRI will give your doctor a better visual of how your muscles and soft tissues were affected by the accident. This type of imaging can help identify any torn muscles or herniated discs.
Timeline of Treatment for Whiplash
When it comes to whiplash treatment, your doctor will develop a treatment plan that addresses the symptoms you are experiencing while also addressing the root cause of your pain. Whiplash injuries may be treated with medications for pain management and reducing inflammation. Chiropractic adjustments and therapeutic massage may also be used to help reduce your pain and encourage healthy blood flow to your damaged muscles. Stretches and exercises are also helpful for recovering range of motion in your neck as your muscles recover and strengthen. You may also find that alternating hot and cold compresses on your neck are helpful at-home remedies. Talk to your doctor about this and other ways to help manage your pain in between appointments and recommendations on what activities to avoid until you are fully healed.
If you are concerned about how long you should stay out of work after a car accident because of the pain and discomfort from your whiplash injury, then talk to your doctor and employer about your options. Your doctor can generally provide a recommendation of when would be appropriate to return to work, especially if your job requires significant movements such as lifting, standing, or sitting for long periods of time. Until range of motion in your neck is fully restored, you may not be able to complete certain required work tasks without compromising the quality of your work or negatively impacting your treatment and healing process. In these cases, your doctor and employer should work with you to determine the most appropriate timeline for your return to work.
At AICA Orthopedics, we have a team of doctors who specialize in car accident injuries like whiplash and can provide you with clear expectations based on your specific symptoms and injury. Talk to one of our doctors today about whiplash treatment and learn more about how we can help you fully recover and get back to work!
