Whiplash, a non-medical term used first in 1928 refers to a relatively common injury, which is not too serious, but which may cause partial disability, in certain extreme circumstances. Whiplash takes into account the different range of neck injuries, which is caused by a sudden distortion to the neck. Most often, whiplash occurs because of sudden deceleration in a car accident. However, Whiplash can also occur if you have fallen down from stools, bicycles, or horses. Car insurers include whiplash in their insurance quotes, as well. The inter-vertebral joints, located between vertebrae, discs and ligaments, cervical muscles and nerve roots are easily damaged when whiplash occurs.

Categories of Whiplash

Whiplash can be divided into two main categories. These include acute whiplash, in which hyperextension, hyperflexion or rotation of the neck may cause severe neck pain and other symptoms. The other type of whiplash includes chronic whiplash, in which the symptoms of whiplash persist for more than six months, are consistent and have a wide variety of other symptoms.

Symptoms of Whiplash

It is worth addressing whiplash symptoms. These symptoms tend to develop around 24 hours after the accident. Some of the symptoms include neck pain and stiffness. People also experience tenderness along the back of the neck. You will have difficulty in moving your head. You may also experience headaches, which occur at the base of the skull. You will feel high levels of fatigue, or in some scenarios, you will have blurred vision. However, there are some people, who have reported other symptoms, which may include memory problems, ringing in the air, concentration problems, irritability and trouble sleeping. Sometimes, the pain may spread to your shoulders, arms and lower back pain. Moreover, your headache may become extremely painful. In this circumstance, you should go and speak to the doctor. Moreover, you may experience tingling, numbness and weakness your arms. In addition, you may find yourself suffering from dysphagia (difficulty in slowing). In some cases, you will experience vertigo and tinnitus, which may be extremely hazardous for your health.

If any of these symptoms persist, then you should visit your general physician, pronto.

If you are wondering about the symptoms of chronic whiplash, then these include persistence headache, paraesthesia in the upper limbs and hands. You may also find yourself having psychological and emotional symptoms, which may include anxiety and depression. Jaw pain may be included in the symptoms for some people. You may also experience Post-Traumatic Stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, social isolation. Therefore, you should visit the doctor.

Precautions

While you are suffering from whiplash, you should not drive.

Diagnosis

The doctor will generally examine the person quite well, after the accident has occurred. If there is some damage, then the doctor will advise you to wear a neck collar. Moreover, proper X-rays and MRI scans will also be undertaken to ensure that everything is in proper condition. If it is not, then the doctor will diagnose ‘Whiplash’ if the injury has occurred due to the damage of the body tissues.

Conclusion

You should be sure to get the symptoms treated, as soon as possible. Do not be careless about your health.