Their vehicles suddenly get hit from behind. Their bodies jolt forward and backward, causing whiplash injuries. More than just a pain in the neck, suffering this type of neck strain or sprain may cause several unexpected challenges for auto accident victims.
Understanding what to expect from their injuries may help people as they recover.
Symptoms
According to MayoClinic.org, people experience various symptoms due to whiplash injuries. Some of the most common of these include the following:
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Worsening pain when moving the neck
- Numbness or tingling in the arms or hands
- Fatigue
Some symptoms set in immediately following the crash. Others, however, develop in the following days.
Treatment
According to WebMD.com, the medical treatment plan for whiplash injuries typically requires rest and minimal at-home care. In addition to allowing the neck muscles, tendons and ligaments time to heal, people may use ice, over-the-counter pain relievers and moist heat to help alleviate some of the associated symptoms. In some cases, physicians may recommend the use of a neck collar or brace for a limited time.
Prognosis
Everyone heals at their own rates, and factors such as the severity of the injury may impact recovery time. Often, those who suffer this type of neck strain or sprain feel better within a few days of their crashes. In other cases, however, whiplash injuries take weeks or more to heal.
When whiplash injuries occur due to auto accidents, it may leave people suddenly and unexpectedly unable to work while they heal. To help support them until they get back on their feet, those who suffer whiplash may consider their options for recovering compensation for damages such as lost wages and medical bills.
