If you are involved in a slow speed, rear-end crash, you might think that you walked away unscathed. Unfortunately, this might not be the case. Sometimes, you will suffer an injury that you won’t recognize until the next day or even a few days later. One such injury is whiplash.
Contrary to what you might see on television, whiplash can be a very serious injury. Some people think that it isn’t because the soft tissue is what’s damaged. If it is left untreated, you might find that the symptoms don’t abate. They might get worse, which could be activity-limiting.
Some of the signs of whiplash that you should watch for if you have been in a car wreck include:
- Loss of range of motion in the neck
- Pain in the shoulders or arms
- Headache near the base of the skull
- Increased neck pain with movement
- Stiffness and pain in the neck
- Arm numbness or tingling
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
In the past, immobilization was one of the most common treatments. This isn’t the case now. Limited immobilization might be necessary, but treatments now will usually include physical therapy to help you regain the use of your neck.
It is sometimes possible that people with this injury might need medication to help control pain and inflammation. Other options include using heat or ice and allowing your neck to rest. Some people will need muscle relaxers or injections into the neck. Work with your doctor to find something that works for you.
If the car wreck was the other driver’s fault, you might choose to seek compensation for the incident. A personal injury lawsuit is can help you work toward that goal.