Whiplash Symptoms after a Car Crash
Similar to other types of injuries that drivers experience as a result of car accidents, whiplash is an injury that can slowly creep up on us as the days and weeks following the crash unfold. Not all of the symptoms are apparent initially, making it difficult for us to be sure we are in fact truly unharmed after the collision. Rear-end accidents, in particular, are infamous for causing cases of painful whiplash. If you have recently been in a car accident, keep an eye out for the following three telltale signs that indicate you may be experiencing whiplash injury:
1. You notice an increase in stiffness or pain in the neck.
If you notice decreased range of motion in your neck or pain that is steadily increasing as the hours after the accident pass, you may be feeling the early effects of whiplash damage. Tenderness or pain in the arms or upper back may also accompany the neck pain.
2. Emerging headaches.
Headaches are very common after a car collision, especially where cases of whiplash are concerned. These whiplash-induced headaches typically start at the base of the skull and may worsen as the days go on, often paired with an increase in the aforementioned pain or stiffness in the neck.
3. Other new symptoms suddenly appear.
Along with headaches and an increase in neck pain and stiffness, it is important to take note of any new symptoms that were not present prior to the accident. For example, many drivers with whiplash injury suddenly notice blurred vision, fatigue, or dizziness, as well as a tingling or numbing sensation in the arms. Feeling irritable, struggling with memory or the ability to concentrate, and experiencing sleep disturbances are also common following a whiplash injury.
What to Do Next
Addressing whiplash symptoms as soon as you begin to notice them is important to rule out any further damage, such as tears in your tissues, dislocations, or fractures. Everything from rest, ice and heat application, exercise, and physical therapy may be needed for treatment, depending on the severity of the injury. The key is to have a professional examination as symptoms appear in order to take a preventative approach to your recovery. Do not ignore symptoms or wait – the future of your health depends on it, especially within the first 24 hours.
The moment you experience a car collision of any kind, obtaining proper medical care and speaking with a knowledgeable New Braunfels car accident attorney should be your first courses of action. Ensure your rights are protected in a court of law and that your health after the accident are top priority by consulting with one today. Call The Bettersworth Law Firm at 830-443-9193 to get started.
Sources:
http://www.nhtsa.gov/cars/rules/rulings/HeadRest/PEA/Index.html
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/whiplash/basics/definition/con-20033090
