Car Accident Injury: What is Whiplash?

susant3t • March 27, 2018

What is Whiplash? Whiplash literally means lash of a whip. It’s the injury of the head and the neck that is caused by a sudden shock movement. With most people it feels like a lash of a whip in the neck. The most frequent cause of whiplash is a rear-end collision. Because of the crash, […]

What is Whiplash?

Whiplash literally means lash of a whip. It’s the injury of the head and the neck that is caused by a sudden shock movement. With most people it feels like a lash of a whip in the neck.

The force of the crash may damage the ligaments tendons and muscles.

In the first 24 hours after the injury symptoms like headache, nausea and vomiting, pain in neck and shoulder, tingling in arms and hands, occur.

95% are without complaints after about a year. The other 5% remain to have chronic complaints that can differ enormously in patients.

Consult a physician directly after the accident who will take x-rays of the head and neck area. Depending on the accident, painkillers and low-key exercises are advised, if there are no serious abnormalities visible on the x-rays.

Cooling with an ice compress can reduce the swelling, hematoma, or muscle spasms that occur.

After 48 hours alternate this treatment with a warm compress a few times a day to relieve the pain. If after a week the complaints persist go back to your physician who can refer you to a physiotherapist. Because the complaints that occur with a whiplash differ per patient there is no standard treatment.

If you have been in a car accident and suspect you may have whiplash call us to schedule an appointment as soon as possible. We can help you with diagnosis, treatment and the insurance process. The doctors at Grappin Clinic are experienced with treating auto accident injuries and have successfully helped patients since 1977.

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