Whiplash occurs when a sudden force forces the neck to move back and forth in a rapid motion. Though whiplash can occur for a few different reasons, the most common cause of whiplash is car accidents. If you were recently involved in a car accident in Connecticut, pay attention for signs and symptoms of whiplash. Whiplash does not always present itself immediately after a crash — in fact, many of the more noticeable whiplash symptoms occur up to 24 hours after the incident. Mayo Clinic details the signs of whiplash, possible complications and when to see a doctor.
Whiplash can cause both physical and mental symptoms. The most common sign of the condition is neck pain and stiffness, worsening pain, shoulder and neck tenderness and loss of range of motion of the neck. You may also develop headaches that begin at the base of your skull, tingling or numbness in the arms or dizziness. Many persons who develop whiplash complain of feeling extremely tired, having blurred vision or experiencing ringing in their ears.
Whiplash can also take a toll on your mental health. Some mental shifts to watch out for include irritability, changes in sleep patterns, depression, memory problems and difficulty concentrating.
Many people who sustain whiplash in car accidents tend to feel better within a few short weeks. However, others may live with the pain and discomfort for several months after the crash. Though it is difficult for a health care provider to predict how you will recover, you may be more likely to live with lingering discomfort if your symptoms started quickly, were extremely intense at the onset and included severe neck pain, headaches and/or pain that spread to the arms.
Mayo Clinic suggests calling your doctor if you develop any signs of whiplash after a crash. Not only is immediate medical attention necessary to rule out other issues but also, it is necessary for your health. With an accurate diagnosis, you can begin treatment and achieve pain relief more quickly than had you tried to work through it yourself.
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