A serious wreck can damage any part of the body. Broken bones, lacerations and head wounds happen often, but the most common accident injury is soft tissue damage.
As Medscape explains, soft tissue injuries are musculoskeletal disorders that can affect the muscles, tendons and ligaments. Whiplash is a soft tissue injury that often accompanies rear-end crashes. Although most cases of whiplash heal without causing long-term complications, some patients suffer debilitating pain and cannot return to work for several days or weeks.
Here is a brief overview of the cause, symptoms and treatment for whiplash:
What Causes Whiplash?
As WebMD explains, whiplash is caused by a sudden forward and backward jerking of the head. This can injure muscles, ligaments, disks and nerves.
What Are the Symptoms of Whiplash?
Even a minor car crash can be nerve-racking, which is why many people do not notice the symptoms of whiplash until several hours or days after a wreck. Contact a doctor immediately if you notice:
- Persistent headaches;
- Neck pain;
- Pain when moving the head side to side, or backward and forward;
- Or tightness and decreased motion in the neck.
People who sustain whiplash may also suffer a concussion. This is a traumatic brain injury that can have long-term consequences. Although most concussions heal without ongoing complications, you should consult a physician if you notice nausea, confusion or dizziness after an accident.
What Are the Treatments for Whiplash?
Whiplash often heals without medical intervention. If you feel severe pain, your doctor may prescribe painkillers. If you notice swelling, your physician may recommend applying ice or taking blood thinners.
In severe cases, patients have to wear collars or braces to minimize neck movement. However, these are not ideal for long-term use because they can cause the neck muscles to weaken.
Can I Prevent Whiplash?
The best way to prevent whiplash is to avoid car accidents – especially rear-end collisions. Many of these crashes involve distracted drivers.
You should never use your cell phone behind the wheel, eat or drink, adjust climate and audio controls, or observe distractions outside the vehicle. If you are a new driver, limit the number of passengers you carry because they can contribute to distracted-driving accidents.
You can also tap your brakes before stopping to alert the driver behind you. Check your mirror, and if he or she is looking down or not paying attention, look for an escape route such as the shoulder or an adjacent lane. Also, leave plenty of distance between your car and the leading vehicle when stopping at an intersection.