Whiplash is a kind of neck injury caused by the forceful or sudden back-and-forth movement of the neck. The condition is mainly caused because of rear-end car accidents. However, it can also be caused by sports accidents, different types of traumas, and physical abuse like a fall. Whiplash can also be called a neck sprain or strain, in simplest words. The condition is not limited to neck sprains and can also involve other long-term complications and risk factors.

Since whiplash is commonly known as a mere neck strain or sprain, it is sometimes confused with non-serious strains. However, the condition is severe and should be treated with proper care. Some of the symptoms that are primarily caused days after an injury are:

• Worsening pain with neck movement
• Loss of range of motion in the neck
• Neck pain and stiffness
• Headaches that usually start at the base of the skull
• Numbness or tingling in the arms
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Pain or tenderness in the upper back, arms, or shoulders

Some other symptoms of whiplash can also be:

• Ringing in the eras
• Blurred vision
• Irritability
• Depression
• Memory problems
• Difficulty in concentrating
• Sleep disturbances

Before you plan on medicating the issue on your own, you should know how long you should wait to seek professional help. You should see your doctor if you have severe neck pain or whiplash symptoms after an injury, traumatic experience, or accident. Getting a timely and accurate diagnosis is essential to get the proper treatment. The treatment should be accessible within a few days of experiencing pain. If self-medication is not helping after some trials, you should definitely jump onto professional help.

At Vita, we understand how painful and disruptive whiplash can be for you and to your life. So, if you are experiencing neck strain or whiplash, let our expert team of physical therapists help restore you to better health.

Contact us to book an appointment today!