If you’ve been involved in a car accident, one of the first things you should do is get checked out by an experienced accident doctor. Depending on the severity of the accident, your injuries may be very evident and require the attention of a doctor right away. However, other injuries are less obvious and may show up a few hours, days, or even weeks after the accident. Whiplash is one of the most common car accident injuries, and also one that is often overlooked or ignored.
Many people do not even realize they have whiplash until later down the road when their neck, head, or back pain starts to worsen. When this happens, it can lead to more serious health complications. This is why it is so important that you get treatment and take care of yourself, even if you don’t think you have been injured.
Symptoms of Whiplash
While you are likely familiar with the term whiplash, many people don’t realize that the symptoms are often far more obscure than typical neck pain. In fact, neck pain isn’t the only common symptom of whiplash. You may experience the following signs and symptoms if you have whiplash:
- Numbness in your arms and hands
- Nausea
- Difficulty swallowing
- Blurred vision
- Swelling of the neck
- Muscle spasms
- Decreased range of motion
- Headache
- Stiff neck
- Memory disturbances
- Anxiety
- Fatigue
- Lack of energy
- Dull burning sensation
- Sharp jolts when you move
- Sudden change in strength
If you have been in an accident and think you may have whiplash, contact Premier Injury Clinics of DFW right away and schedule an appointment with one of our knowledgeable chiropractors.
Why Treatment is Essential
We often associate whiplash with accidents where high speed is involved, but it can happen at any speed. All it takes to give someone whiplash is a rear impact that whips your head forward and back again. For some people, whiplash will go away on its own in a matter of a few days, but others live with the symptoms for months, maybe even longer. This is why treating whiplash right away is so important. If left untreated or undiagnosed, it can cause more serious neurological symptoms and chronic pain. Every whiplash injury is different, but the one thing everyone has in common is the need for treatment. While anti-inflammatory medications can provide some relief, your best bet is to see a chiropractor and undergo various adjustments. Massage therapy and physical therapy may also help ease your symptoms.
Take control of your health following a car accident before it’s too late. If you’ve been involved in a collision and are experiencing any neck, head, or back discomfort, please contact Premier Injury Clinics of DFW right away. As an accident injury clinic, we are here to help you get back on your feet and address any lingering complications from the accident. We have treated countless individuals for whiplash and are prepared to do the same for you today.