Signs That You May Have Whiplash

Are you experiencing a tightening in your shoulders and/or neck following a car accident or any other type of incident? If so, you might be suffering from a whiplash injury. However, how do you determine whether you are experiencing symptoms of whiplash? How long have you been experiencing the pain? 

What Is Whiplash?

Whiplash injury occurs when your head suddenly moves or snaps backward and forward with great force. It is one of the most common types of injuries resulting from rear-end auto collisions. However, it can also result from sports injuries, physical abuse, amusement park rides, or even falls. 

Whiplash happens when your neck’s soft tissues extend beyond their normal range of motion. Following the incident, you might not experience symptoms for a while. Hence, you need to pay careful attention to any physical changes you experience for a few days following an injury event. 

Also known as neck strain or neck sprain, whiplash can cause a wide range of symptoms. Damage to the intervertebral joints, ligaments, discs, nerve roots and cervical muscles can cause whiplash. 

Signs and Symptoms of Whiplash

Did you recently suffer an accident? Do you think that you have whiplash? The first thing you need to understand is that symptoms may appear immediately or several days later. Thus, it is important to watch out for certain signs and symptoms. Some of these may include:
 

• Dizziness

• Neck stiffness and pain

• Fatigue

• Worsening pain when you move your neck

• Numbness or tingling in your arms

• Reduced range of motion in your neck

• Pain or tenderness in your arms, upper back, or shoulders

• Frequent headaches originating from the base of your skull

You may also experience blurred vision, memory problems, ringing in your ears, depression, difficulty concentrating, irritability, and sleep disturbances. 

How to Determine Whether You Have Whiplash

If you think you have whiplash, the first thing you need to do is visit your doctor and/or chiropractor. You should do so if you experience any symptoms following an auto accident or any other type of incident that forces your head to rapidly move forward and backward. 

Your doctor will perform various tests if he/she suspects whiplash. These include a CT scan, X-ray, and MRI. However, your injury may occur within structures that are too small for these tests to determine. Even if you are experiencing pain, this might be the case. Consequently, the primary way to tell whether you have whiplash is through the signs and symptoms. 

Treatment for Whiplash

If you have whiplash, your healthcare provider will determine the appropriate treatment protocol. The type of treatment you receive will depend on several factors. These include the following:
 

• The extent or severity of your injury

• Your overall health, age, and medical history

• Your tolerance for specific therapies, treatments, or medications

• Your preference or opinion

• Your expectations

When to Call Your Healthcare Provider

You need to schedule an appointment with your doctor and/or chiropractor if your symptoms fail to improve within several days. Your healthcare provider will recommend the appropriate treatment for your injury.

For more on whiplash, visit The Spine Clinic at our office in Salem, Oregon. Call (503) 362-5555 today to schedule an appointment.