Getting into a crash can result in numerous physical problems that can last from hours all the way up to years, or even a lifetime.
Whiplash is one of the injuries that often gets discussed as if it is no big deal. However, it can cause more problems than a person might expect.
What is whiplash?
Mayo Clinic discusses the impact of whiplash. Whiplash itself occurs due to the rapid back-and-forward motion of the neck that sometimes happens in a crash, which mimics the cracking of a whip, hence the name.
Whiplash itself can result in a number of damages, including but not limited to stiffness or pain in the neck, a loss of motion, tingling or numbness of the arms, dizziness, fatigue, headaches, and tenderness in the upper shoulders.
Less usual symptoms that still occur in some can include blurred vision, irritability, trouble concentrating, memory problems, depression and tinnitus.
The damage whiplash does
Whiplash may seem like a relatively small issue at first, but it can impact every aspect of a person’s life. For example, someone could feel a jolt of pain every time they turn their head in any particular direction. Another person could start losing out on sleep because they cannot find a comfortable position at night.
Most people will recover safely from whiplash within a few weeks or months. However, some people can have extensive damage which may last for years and result in issues like a limited range of motion, pain that spreads to the arms and severe neck pain.
It is important for victims of whiplash to get quick and accurate treatment to prevent worse damage from happening.