What Are the Common Causes? How Do You Know When You’ve Suffered Whiplash? What Can You Expect As You Recover?
Whiplash is one of the most debilitating injuries you can suffer. What is it? What are the common causes? What are the warning signs of a whiplash injury? What is the prognosis for recovery?
What Is Whiplash?
Whiplash is an injury to your head, neck, and shoulders that happens when your head snaps violently back and forth, causing your neck to act like a whip that’s being cracked. It can happen when you make a sudden impact with another object, such as a steering wheel or the dashboard of a car. It can also happen without any type of contact. For example, you may be a passenger in a car, wearing your seatbelt, when the driver suddenly slams on the brakes. The seatbelt will hold your body in place, but your head will snap forward and then back in response to the sudden stop.
What Are the Common Causes of Whiplash Injuries?
Whiplash most often occurs when you’re riding in a motor vehicle. The National Institutes of Health found that approximately one of every four car accidents caused at least one person to suffer whiplash. These types of whiplash injuries may result from a collision, a sudden stop, or loss of control of a vehicle. Whiplash may also stem from sports-related injuries, slips and falls, and being struck on the head by a heavy object.
What Are the Symptoms of Whiplash?
Because whiplash causes hyperextension of the connective tissue (muscles, tendons, and ligaments) in your neck and shoulders, you can expect both pain and swelling/inflammation there. Though it may take a few hours to develop, you will typically find it difficult to turn your head from side to side or up and down without pain. There may also be numbness or tingling in your arms or legs. Headaches are common and many whiplash victims experience loss of balance or dizziness.
How Long Does It Take for a Whiplash Injury to Heal?
Most whiplash injuries are mild or moderate. If you work closely with your doctor and follow their recommendations, you can expect to get back to full health in two to six weeks.
Contact Core Medical Center Today
At Core Medical Center, we offer comprehensive treatment for any type of traumatic brain injury, from concussions to severe TBIs. We can quickly assess the severity of your injuries, and we have the tools, experience, and skill to help you maximize your recovery. To learn more, contact Core Medical Center online or call our offices in Blue Springs, Missouri, at (819) 229-1941.
