Whiplash is a type of injury that occurs when the head whips forward or side to side quickly. It’s common during rear-end collisions, but it can also occur during other types of crashes.
As far as a personal injury goes, whiplash can range from mild to severe. Severe cases are debilitating and cause chronic pain, but mild cases are easier to handle.
What are some common symptoms of whiplash?
Some common symptoms of whiplash include:
- Neck pain
- Stiffness in the neck
- Headaches
- Worsening pain when you move the neck
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Tingling or numbness down the arms and possibly into the fingers
- Pain in the arms, upper back or shoulder
- Poor range of motion in the neck
Sometimes, these symptoms also occur:
- Memory problems
- Insomnia
- Tinnitus
- Blurred vision
- Difficulty concentration
- Irritability
- Depression
Will you notice whiplash right away after a crash?
Not always. Sometimes, it can take 24 to 48 hours, or even longer, to appear. That means that people may think they’re fine at the time of the accident only to discover that they’re very sore or in pain over the next few days. It’s common for whiplash to be a delayed diagnosis, which is why it’s encouraged that you go to the hospital following a crash no matter how you feel at the moment.
Once you know if you have whiplash, your medical provider can help you focus on ways to get your neck back into alignment and to help resolve your pain. You may require time off work, physical therapy and other medical treatments to help your pain. If you want to learn more about seeking compensation from the party who caused your injuries, an attorney can help.
