What Are The Common Causes of Whiplash
Whiplash is a soft tissue neck injury that can impact the ligaments and muscles in the neck. It can also affect the spine, joints, and bones in the cervical region. Whiplash may also be called whip crack injury, neck strain, neck sprain, cervical injury, or cervical acceleration-deceleration (CAD).
Whiplash happens when the neck is forcefully thrust in a back-and-forth motion. This is most common in rear-end car accidents; however, it can happen in other personal injury situations, too, such as:
- Repetitive stress
- Work injuries
- Construction accidents
- Slips, trips, and falls
- Auto accidents
- ATV accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- School sports accidents
- Theme park accidents
- Domestic abuse
- Assault and battery
Any trauma affecting the head and neck can result in whiplash. A NYC personal injury attorney can help you determine exactly what caused your injury and who should be held liable.
Understanding The Signs & Symptoms of a Whiplash Injury
The symptoms of whiplash are not always apparent immediately after a car or New York truck accident. Sometimes adrenaline from the incident can cause you not to notice the pain. Signs of whiplash can take days or weeks to appear. That’s why it’s important to get medical treatment right after an accident, no matter how you feel. You need to be evaluated to determine if there are obvious or underlying conditions.
Some common symptoms of whiplash injury include:
- Neck pain
- Neck stiffness
- Upper back pain
- Shoulder pain
- Headache that begins at the base of the skull
- Dizziness
- Muscle tenderness
- Tingling or burning sensations (paresthesias)
- Numbness or tingling of the arms
- Fatigue
Some less common signs that could point to whiplash include:
- Memory loss
- Difficulty concentrating
- Mood disorder
- Nervousness
- Irritability
- Problems sleeping
- Mobility problems
- Blurry vision
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Stroke
Treatment for Whiplash Injuries
The treatment prescribed for whiplash depends on the severity of your injury. You may be prescribed pain medication or muscle relaxants to alleviate the worst soreness and tension. However, your doctor may suggest you take Tylenol or Ibuprofen for the pain. You may also apply heat or cold to your muscles to reduce swelling and soreness
Physical therapy is also a common treatment option for whiplash. You may be given therapeutic exercise techniques to perform at home. You may also work with PT professionals in a medical office.
Stabilization of your neck may be necessary if your spine and bones are damaged. This may include a cervical collar or neck brace. This will support your head while limiting mobility and relieving pain and pressure on your spine.
If pain persists, your doctor may recommend that you receive steroid injections. This is a clinical procedure that is performed under the guidance of an x-ray. It can relieve inflammation in the soft tissues and joints of the neck.
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