The Basics You Need To Know About Whiplash

Car accidents occur every day, and the most common injury victims can expect to experience is whiplash. In the United States, over two million individuals suffer from whiplash and require medical attention.

In a car crash, your head and neck violently jerk forward and then backward. As a result, damage can occur to the soft tissue and underlying bone structure. However, the incident can also result in a whiplash-associated disorder, which is a more long-term problem with wide-ranging consequences. It is vital for auto accident victims to promptly seek medical attention to begin treatment for whiplash.

What are the complications?

Some of the most common symptoms car crash victims experience include tinnitus, chronic headaches, neck pain, arm weakness and jaw pain. For extreme conditions, mental problems can develop over time, such as anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. Many people need to receive tests after a car crash to make sure they did not suffer a concussion. Without proper treatment, the head injury will only get worse and can result in sleeping disorders and chronic nausea.

How do doctors treat symptoms of whiplash?

Treatment can vary depending on the severity of the injury. Some people will simply need to ice the affected area and take over-the-counter painkillers to deal with the discomfort. In other cases, a doctor may recommend wearing a neck brace for a few days. You may also need to undergo massages and ultrasounds to deal with the discomfort.

How can you prevent whiplash?

It is impossible to prevent whiplash in a car accident. However, you can strengthen your neck muscles before it happens, so you can better cope with neck strain when a car crash does happen to you. If you sit at a desk for work all day, then make sure to take a few minutes out of the day to stretch your neck.