Is Whiplash a Serious Injury

Whiplash injuries can occur in car accidents. Whiplash can be thought of as a minor injury that will heal on its own. This is why whiplash can cause more than a sore neck. Early treatment can make it easier to heal.

Whiplash Basics

Whiplash can be a common injury in auto accidents. It does not necessarily have to be serious. The accident can affect everyone in the car at the time. Whiplash is when a car suddenly stops or turns. This causes the neck to turn, or jerk (often the neck moves in a rapid back and forth motion). This can cause injury to your neck muscles and tendons.

Whiplash symptoms include:

  • Neck pain
  • Stiffness in the neck
  • Pain worsens with neck movement
  • The neck may lose its range of motion
  • Headaches that start at the base or the top of the skull are common.
  • Tenderness or pain in the shoulder, upper back, or arms
  • Tingling in the arms or numbness
  • Fatigue
  • Dizziness

Some patients may experience severe symptoms from whiplash injuries to their necks.

  • Brilliance in vision
  • Ringing in the ears
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Irritability
  • Concentration is difficult
  • Memory problems
  • Depression

However, everyone will experience different symptoms. Whiplash injuries can be difficult to diagnose based on symptoms alone. To diagnose the problem with your spine, a physician should immediately perform a medical exam.

How treatment can help

Even if your accident caused a mild headache or neck stiffness, it is important to seek immediate treatment from an auto injury doctor. First, even minor whiplash pain may become severe within days. It is important to determine the extent of your injury and treat it immediately to prevent further complications.

The severity of a whiplash accident can affect the recovery time. Some cases are able to heal in a matter of days while others may take longer. You can recover from whiplash injuries with proper treatment.

Reach out and ask for help

Whiplash can have a significant impact on your life beyond what a stiff neck and sore neck might indicate. Whiplash caused by an auto accident can become more severe if it is not treated quickly. This can ease your pain and prevent you from developing long-term issues. Our team will assess your injury and create a customized treatment plan for you. This will help you get on the right track to recovery.

This article was written by a medical professional at Florida Medical Pain Management. Florida Medical Pain Management is proud to offer Pain Management Clinics In St Petersburg Florida. Patients at Florida Medical Pain Management can get help managing hip, knee, leg, and neck pain. The practice also offers comprehensive arthritis management, along with treatments for auto accidents, sports, and work injuries.

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