Whiplash is one of the most common injuries that result from a motor vehicle accident. Unfortunately, soft tissue injuries such as whiplash do not always show clear symptoms right away. Symptoms may not appear for a couple of days after the accident.
Recognize the symptoms of whiplash so that you know when to call for medical attention.
Stiffness and pain in your neck
In the first couple of days after your accident, you may notice increasing pain and stiffness in your neck. This can gradually reduce your range of motion in your neck and shoulders.
Persistent headaches
The soft tissue damage and muscle tension in your neck and shoulders can often contribute to chronic headaches. Often starting at the base of your skull, these headaches may seem to persist despite over-the-counter pain relievers.
Tenderness in your upper back and arms
Whiplash causes soft tissue inflammation, which spreads to tenderness and pain within your shoulders, upper back and arms. Seek medical attention for pain like this to document the injury.
Hearing and vision problems
In severe cases, whiplash can also cause conditions such as tinnitus and blurred vision. As muscle and soft tissue inflammation develop, this can lead to pressure on your auditory and ocular nerves, disrupting your vision and hearing.
While whiplash may not appear immediately following an accident, recognize the symptoms to determine when you need care. Identifying whiplash as early as possible allows you to seek treatment and document the injury for your future personal injury claim. Documentation is important when seeking restitution after an accident.
