How Do You Know If You Have Whiplash?

Neck and spine injuries, including whiplash, are the most common complaints associated with car accidents. Millions of people in America suffer whiplash injuries annually. Many get them from auto collisions, especially fender benders, while others occur from falling from a height, physical abuse, or sports injuries.

What Is Whiplash?

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke describes whiplash as a soft tissue injury to your neck. A neck sprain or strain occurs when your neck bends forcibly forward and then backward, akin to a cracking whip. This poorly understood injury usually involves the neck's tendons, nerves, discs, and muscles.
 

You experience whiplash, also called a cervical sprain, when the soft tissues of your neck extend beyond their normal range of motion. However, symptoms do not always appear immediately. You might not realize that you have whiplash. 

That is why paying attention to any physical changes you experience for several days following any injury event is always best. Many consider this injury a relatively mild condition but can lead to long-term discomfort and pain.

Causes

Most instances of whiplash result from collisions that include sudden deceleration or acceleration. The sudden motion causes the ligaments and tendons in the neck to stretch and tear. Some of the things that can cause this type of injury include:

• Auto collision

• Cycling accidents or falls

• Contact sports

• Physical abuse

• Horseback riding

• Blows to the head

• Falls that cause the head to jerk backward violently

Do You Have Whiplash?

There are no visible signs of injury, making it difficult to diagnose the problem. Also, there may be a significant difference in healing time between whiplash and other sprains and strains affecting other body parts. Regular sprains and strains may heal faster, but whiplash injuries can take weeks or months to heal. 

A physical exam is often necessary to diagnose this injury, as well as an assessment of the patient’s medical history. However, several factors may complicate the evaluation. These include your physiological condition before the injury and your cervical spine's position at the moment of the incident. Another factor is the direction and magnitude of the impact. 

Signs and Symptoms

Some of the most common symptoms of a cervical sprain include the following:

• Neck stiffness

• Low back pain

• Neck pain

• Shoulder pain

• Blurred vision

• Dizziness

• Ringing in your ears

• Memory or concentration problems

• Hand or arm numbness

• Hand or arm pain

• Tiredness

• Insomnia

• Irritability

These symptoms are like those of other medical problems and conditions. So, it is always best to see a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis. 

Complications

Most people with a cervical sprain feel better within a few days or weeks. However, the symptoms may persist for several weeks or months in others if left untreated. It is difficult to predict how you will recover from your injury. Generally, you are more likely to experience chronic pain if your symptoms are severe and occur rapidly. 

Some complications you may experience include pain that spreads to your arms, headaches, and severe neck pain. Also, spine experts link several factors to worse outcomes. These include older age, previous cervical sprain, and existing neck or back pain.

It is best to see your doctor following an accident, even if you are currently not experiencing any symptoms. It is crucial to do so sooner rather than later for more severe injuries to avoid chronic complications. 

For more on whiplash, visit West Virginia Spine and Rehab at our Martinsburg, West Virginia, office. Call (681) 389-2059 to schedule an appointment today.