Whiplash symptoms commonly occur as a result of injuries caused by traffic incidents involving two or more vehicles. If you are the victim of an accident, whether a driver, pedestrian or passenger, it is highly likely that you may have sustained some type of injuries. The physical problems that are most commonly sustained following these types of incidents are called whiplash injuries which occur when your head is suddenly yanked backwards or sideways due to sudden impact.
This unexpected circumstance affects many areas of your body, particularly, your bones, discs, muscle tendons, and nerves in your neck.
Common whiplash symptoms include the following:
- Pain and stiffness in the neck, back and shoulders
- Ringing in the ear
- Blurred vision
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Nerve disturbances such as feeling 'pins and needles' in various locations of the body
Only very severe whiplash injuries requires surgery if a disc in the vertebrae has been ruptured or torn. Severe injuries may be treated with a surgical collar, cervical traction, ice or heat. Generally, pain meds, anti-inflammatory meds and muscle relaxers are prescribed.
Physical therapy may also be prescribed. Some people have found relief through chiropractic treatments as well. Successful treatment for whiplash symptoms can be difficult since the onset of symptoms can be delayed from time of injury.
Sustaining a whiplash injury is not a minor problem, because once it has happened, only 70% recover completely by the first year and only approximately 82% recover in two years. It is the most typical road injury which affects 83% of people involved in these incidents. A whiplash injury is no small matter because many people are left to deal with their whiplash symptoms for years to come.
