Most people are familiar with whiplash, the most common injury sustained in car accidents. Often used to describe similar sensations, whiplash is typically an uncomfortable yet treatable injury and is generally not considered a long-term problem. However, is whiplash serious? It can be more complicated than it seems. If whiplash does not appear immediately or isn’t properly addressed, it can lead to future complications. Without proper whiplash treatment, there are potential dangers that most people don’t know about.
What Is Whiplash?
Whiplash is a strain or tear in the soft tissue of the neck and shoulders, caused by the rapid back-and-forth motion of the head during a collision. Whiplash is one of the most common types of injuries in rear-end collisions, where the body is suddenly propelled forward while the head lags behind. This sudden movement stretches the soft tissue beyond its normal range, leading to whiplash. Even at low speeds, the impact can cause significant damage.
Is Whiplash Dangerous?
Is Whiplash Dangerous? The answer is yes, it can be. While whiplash is often seen as a minor injury, it has the potential to cause long-term complications if not properly treated. Symptoms may not appear immediately, leading many to underestimate the severity of their condition. Untreated whiplash can result in chronic pain, reduced mobility, and other persistent health issues.
Short-Term Effects of Whiplash
If you have sustained a whiplash injury, you may begin to experience symptoms immediately following your crash. However, it’s common to have a gap of time before you notice anything different. Adrenaline and shock after an accident lead symptoms to be delayed and appear days or hours after the car accident. Common whiplash symptoms that may occur after a car accident include:
- Headaches or migraines
- Neck pain
- Stiffness in the neck and shoulders
- Mid or lower back pain
- Shoulder pain
- Confusion
- Exhaustion
- Ringing in the ears
- Blurred vision
The more time you wait to seek treatment, the harder it may be to address your symptoms or stop them from worsening. Even if you are not yet experiencing symptoms of whiplash after a car accident, it can be good to seek medical treatment promptly to begin healing before more damage can occur.
Long-Term Effects of Whiplash
When symptoms last more than 6 months, the condition begins to be known as “chronic whiplash” and may require more intensive treatment. Some potential consequences of avoiding treatment for whiplash include:
- Permanent neck impairments
- Loss of range of motion in the neck
- Permanent postural impairments
- Injuries to the ligaments
- Degenerative joint or disc disease
- Ringing in the ears
- Diminished eyesight
- Temporal Mandibular Degeneration
- Recurring headaches and migraines
- Chronic neck, back, and shoulder pain
- Confusion
- Exhaustion
It is important to know that one mild symptom can lead to the onset of others over time. For example, a headache that goes untreated could cause other issues, like migraines, which may impact your ability to perform daily tasks. This could then lead to TMJ problems or cause permanent ringing in the ears.
How is Whiplash Treated?
Once a doctor diagnoses you with whiplash, a mild case may be easily handled at home. Rest, gentle exercise, and use of hot and cold therapy may be prescribed, along with pain medication in moderation, to help the damage heal. In more serious cases, treatment for whiplash may include muscle relaxers and physical therapy.
Contrary to popular belief, using braces or other stabilizing mechanisms is not recommended for treating whiplash. While avoiding sudden or strenuous movements is essential for recovery, it’s important to maintain gentle movements to help the neck rebuild strength, which a neck brace can inhibit. Braces may be necessary if you undergo surgery or other invasive treatments, but they are not ideal for typical whiplash recovery.
If you have been in a car accident and suspect whiplash, AICA Orthopedics offers comprehensive care for your injuries. By combining chiropractor, orthopedic, and neurological care, we can create treatment plans for whiplash that are personalized and designed with your goals in mind. Contact us today to schedule your first consultation and start your recovery journey as soon as possible.
