A Step-By-Step Look at Whiplash
Whiplash is an injury of the neck’s soft tissues that can lead to a variety of painful and frustrating symptoms. If you or a loved one has suffered from whiplash, you may be wondering how the condition develops. Read on for a step-by-step look at what causes the strain of whiplash during an automobile accident and what a personal injury doctor can do to help.
Your car stops or moves forward suddenly due to a collision
The force of the collision accelerates you and your car forward, affecting your legs and torso a fraction of a second before your head begins to move. Because of this small time difference, your head is abruptly shoved backwards into the seat.
Your head and neck snap forward
Your head follows the rapid movement of the car forward, resulting in a sharp acceleration towards the steering wheel. This back-and-forward motion extends the ligaments, muscles, and other soft tissues of your neck beyond their normal extension, straining and possibly tearing them in the process.
You begin to experience whiplash symptoms
Hours, days, or weeks after the initial injury, the signs of whiplash injury may begin to appear. The symptoms of this condition can range from mild to moderate, depending on the severity of the initial injury. Symptoms can include:
- Stiffness or pain in the neck, shoulders, or back.
- Pain or numbness in the arm.
- Headaches.
- Dizziness and difficulty concentrating.
- Vision changes, such as blurry vision.
- Mood changes and sleep disturbances.
Once you begin to feel symptoms, seek treatment right away. With an expert diagnosis and treatment plan, you are more likely to avoid the long-term effects that can result from a whiplash injury. At Personal Injury Physicians, our multidisciplinary team of injury experts offers a full range of treatment options for this condition, including massage, physical therapy, and ultrasound therapy. You can learn more about our comprehensive injury care services by contacting us at (904) 638-3702 today. Our experts are dedicated to providing the highest quality of care to the men and women of Jacksonville, Florida.
Disclaimer:
The materials available at this website are for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing medical advice. You should contact your doctor to obtain advice with respect to any particular medical issue or problem. Use and access to this website or any of the links contained within the site do not create a doctor-client relationship. The opinions expressed at or through this site are the opinions of the individual author and may not reflect the opinions of the medical office or any individual doctor or physician.
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