Did you know that over 2 million Americans every year experience whiplash? Whiplash can happen because of numerous reasons, but car accidents are some of the most common ones.
The effects of whiplash are usually pain and stiffness but can differ for everybody. Generally, whiplash heals pretty quickly in a matter of just a few weeks. In some cases of whiplash, the injuries can extend to brain damage and long-term effects.
Continue reading below to learn what whiplash is, what are the effects of a whiplash injury, and how long it can last.
What Causes Whiplash?
Whiplash is a type of neck injury that can happen after a serious traumatic event. It gets its name from the motion that causes the injury, in which your neck cracks back and forth like a whip.
Some of the most common traumatic events that cause whiplash are rear-end car accidents. During a car accident, your head might fling forward or backward (or even to one side) which causes your ligaments to experience damage.
The ligaments in your neck (and throughout your body) are commonly referred to as rubber-band type structures that hold your body together. When your head is propelled forward with enough force, it can cause these ligaments to become stretched out. The result is your neck seeming to be much less controllable (like a bobblehead), and it might even pinch a nearby nerve.
Effects of Whiplash
While having the potential to affect everyone differently, there are a few common whiplash symptoms that occur across most patients who sustained the injury. These most common ones are neck pain, headaches, loss of range of motion, and stiffness. Some other symptoms include:
- Dizziness
- Vertigo
- Tinnitus
- Irritability
- Difficulty concentrating
And much more. Speak to your doctor about what symptoms you’re facing and if they are possibly associated with whiplash
How Long Does Whiplash Last?
Most whiplash cases take anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months to heal fully. Some effects might linger for a long time such as headaches and pain, but the injury itself shouldn’t sustain for too long.
However, there are some cases where severe whiplash can last much longer than anticipated. Long-term effects of this include chronic dizziness, pain, fatigue, and numbness. As a result, there’s also a chance that one can contract traumatic brain injury.
Some other effects might include memory loss and the inability to think clearly. Research does suggest that these come back over time though, but the process is quite long.
The thing to know about TBI is that the symptoms might not show immediately. That’s why it’s best to consult someone whose an expert in brain injuries right away after an accident to see if you sustained any permanent damage.
Treating Whiplash
If you have recently gotten into a car accident or another type of major traumatic event, chances are you might have gotten whiplash. Check to see if you have any of the common symptoms listed above and trust your gut feeling. If you suspect it, get it checked out.
The effects of whiplash can not only be a huge annoyance but potentially very harmful down the line. Don’t let the symptoms go unchecked for too long. If you sustained any injuries near the neck or head area, get them checked immediately.
Physical therapy and consulting a doctor is the best way to go. Medical professionals are on standby to assist you when ready, so be sure to visit one as soon as possible.
Be sure to check out some of our other blog posts on our website to learn more about health and medical tips.
