Recognizing the Signs of Whiplash After a Car Accident

No two car accidents are the same. Some accidents can have major vehicle damage while the passengers are unscathed. Some accidents seem minor, but cause significant injury to the passengers. There are a variety of injuries that can occur from a car accident, but one of the most common is whiplash.

Whiplash is an injury to the neck that occurs as a result of a sudden back and forth “whipping” motion of the head. Most often, this happens during a rear-end collision, but it can also come as a result of slip and falls as well as other accidents. It’s important to recognize the signs of whiplash after an accident, because early detection and treatment can make a huge positive difference in your recovery. Keep reading today’s blog to learn more about how to recognize the signs of whiplash.

Neck Pain & Stiffness

Perhaps the most common sign of whiplash is neck pain and stiffness. A person who experienced whiplash will often start feeling these two symptoms within 24 hours of the accident. The neck pain can range from a mild discomfort to severe pain. The stiffness can often make it difficult to move one’s head in any direction comfortably.

Headaches

If you’re experiencing frequent and persistent headaches following an accident, this may be a sign of whiplash. These headaches often feel most intense around the back of the head and neck areas. The pain can either be dull or sharp, and usually includes feelings of pressure and tightness. Headaches can be debilitating and cause you to lose focus at work or school, and depending on the severity, they may not respond well to over the counter treatments.

Shoulder & Back Pain

While a whiplash injury is primarily focused on the head and neck areas, it can also extend to nearby parts of the body such as your shoulders or upper back. The sudden impact of the accident could cause muscles and tissues in these areas to tighten, which leads to further discomfort. Some hallmark signs of shoulder & back pain include difficulty lifting objects or carrying out your typical daily activities.

Fatigue

While many wouldn’t think of fatigue as a symptom of whiplash, it can absolutely come as a side effect. Many people who experienced whiplash in an accident also report feeling more tired and drained than usual. Fatigue can also manifest as a result of the other symptoms. You may find it more difficult to get enough rest as you deal with the other aches and pains of the injury.

Spotting the signs of whiplash early can help you get a jump start on treatment and feeling like your old self again. If you or someone you know has been involved in an accident, call 1-800-411-PAIN. If you’ve been involved in an accident, the guidance from a personal injury attorney could help navigate the aftermath. It is helpful to have legal and medical experts on your side. The experts at 1-800-411-PAIN can help explain your options, fight for the compensation you deserve, and guide you through a swift recovery.

If you or a loved person has been injured in an accident, call 1-800-411-PAIN today. Our legal professionals can help you navigate the tricky process of filing an insurance claim. Our medical professionals are here to provide you with the treatment you need. Remember, after 911, call 411.