One of the most common car accident injuries is whiplash. This discomforting neck injury is the result of a person’s head forcefully moving back and forth. Many people do not notice the symptoms of whiplash right away and may not notice incessant discomfort until days or even weeks following their accident.
Failure to treat whiplash in a timely manner can negatively impact a person’s comfort and mobility.
Recognizing symptoms
Whiplash can affect a person’s head and neck. Persistent discomfort could impact a person’s ability to sleep and focus on daily tasks. In some situations, serious symptoms could affect a person’s ability to work. According to the Mayo Clinic, whiplash symptoms may include the following:
- Fatigue
- Numbness
- Loss of movement
- Depression
- Tinnitus
- Headaches
Reducing discomfort
People should pay close attention to the way they feel in the days following their car accident. They should watch for symptoms of whiplash and contact their medical provider immediately if they notice any discomfort in their head or neck. WebMD suggests that treatment options may include a hot and cold regimen, the use of a neck brace and the use of narcotics and muscle relaxers in serious cases.
As people recover from whiplash, they should exercise caution when doing certain activities. They can consult with their physician to learn safe neck exercises to help strengthen their body and reduce inflammation. Depending on their job responsibilities, they may need to consult with their employer to modify some of their tasks until they make a full recovery. Prompt treatment of whiplash can prevent ongoing pain and costly side effects down the road.