Drivers in must obey traffic laws and show courtesy towards other motorists. Negligence behind the wheel can easily lead to injuries like whiplash, which can have a range of serious effects depending on the severity of the accident. The Mayo Clinic offers the following information on whiplash, including how it can be treated.
If you’ve been involved in a rear-end car accident, you could be at risk for developing this condition. While symptoms usually present within a few hours after the accident, it could also be days or even weeks before you notice issues. Symptoms of whiplash include pain and stiffness in the neck, and these symptoms can make it difficult to move. Other symptoms include dizziness, a feeling of numbness in the arms, headaches, pain in the shoulders, and excessiveness tiredness. You may also experience blurred vision or ringing in the ears.
Whiplash is most often caused by auto accidents, especially when the vehicle is struck from behind. While it can happen to everyone, certain risk factors make your chance of experiencing whiplash much greater. If you’ve sustained whiplash before, your chance of acquiring it in a subsequent accident is higher. Older people and those with preexisting conditions that cause back and neck pain are also more susceptible.
Even if the accident was minor, being assessed by a doctor is recommended. You may be told to rest until symptoms subside or be provided with pain medication. Over-the-counter pain relief works in many cases, as does applying ice to the affected area. More severe injuries may call for physical therapy. Not only can therapy provide pain relief, it will also decrease stiffness and improve range of motion.