You’ve likely heard of whiplash before: as the most common injury sustained in car accidents, it’s seen commonly and has even become a slang term for other, similar feelings. For most people who suffer from whiplash, it is an uncomfortable but treatable injury that is not considered a long-term problem. However, whiplash can be more complicated than it looks, especially when it is not treated properly or does not appear for a long time after your car accident. When whiplash is not addressed properly, it can cause problems in the future, and many people don’t know about the dangers.
Understanding Whiplash
In simple terms, whiplash is a strain or tear in the soft tissue surrounding the neck and shoulders, resulting from a violent, jerking back and forth motion of the head during a car crash. But those who treat whiplash patients know that it can be a more complicated and serious issue. Even when the damage occurs at a very low speed, the damage to your soft tissue can be serious enough to cause long-term problems.
The mechanics of whiplash can be traumatic to the body, and it usually occurs in a rear-end collision. Whiplash usually means that you were either stopped or traveling at a steady speed when your car is hit from behind. This causes your body to lurch forward while your head is steady for a split second. While the head catches up to your body, it moves at an unnatural speed and angle, leading to your tissue being stretched beyond its normal capacity. This moment of delay is what causes the most damage.
Short-Term Effects of Whiplash
In some cases, you may notice symptoms of whiplash as soon as you sustain the injury, but more commonly there will be a delay before you notice anything different. The shock and adrenaline after an accident can lead symptoms to be delayed for hours or days after your accident. When they do appear, symptoms may include:
- Headaches or migraines
- Neck pain
- Stiffness in the neck
- Shoulder or back pain
- Confusion
- Fatigue
- Ringing in the ears
- Blurred vision
Most of these symptoms will go away with time and proper treatment, but if left alone, they may worsen or reoccur. Even if you are not yet experiencing symptoms of whiplash, you should visit a chiropractor to begin treatment as soon as possible.
Long-Term Effects of Whiplash
When whiplash is not treated, it can have effects that last for an extended period of time or become a chronic and lifelong condition. Some potential consequences of not treating whiplash include:
- Permanent neck impairments
- Loss of range of motion in the neck
- Permanent posture issues
- Injuries to ligaments
- Degenerative joint or disc disease
- Ringing in the ears
- Diminished eyesight
- Recurring migraines and headaches
- Chronic neck, back, or shoulder pain
- Confusion
- Fatigue
One mild symptom may lead to the onset of other more severe problems over time. For example, a headache that is not treated properly may become migraines, which impacts your ability to perform daily tasks. Migraines can then lead to TMJ problems or cause a permanent ringing in the years.
When whiplash symptoms last for more than 6 months, this is classified as chronic whiplash and may require more intensive treatment.
Treating Whiplash After a Car Accident
Once a doctor is able to diagnose you with whiplash, you will likely be able to manage most mild cases and symptoms at home. Rest, gentle stretches, and proper use of ice and heat therapy will likely be recommended. Over-the-counter pain medication may also be used in moderation, though it is important to know that it simply masks pain, rather than addressing the cause of your whiplash. In more serious cases, muscle relaxers can be distributed.
Most of your treatment will consist of chiropractic adjustments and physical therapy to help realign the spine and strengthen the surrounding muscles. The goal will be to regain mobility in your neck and reduce pain.
The media often portrays whiplash as being treated with a brace or stabilizing mechanism on the neck, but this is actually rarely recommended for treatment of whiplash. Sudden or strenuous movements can be bad for recovery, but gentle and consistent movements are important to help rebuild strength. If you have to undergo surgery or more invasive treatments, a brace may be useful in those cases.
