The force of auto accidents often causes those involved to suffer wide-ranging injuries, including neck strains and sprains. Commonly referred to as whiplash, the muscles, tendons, nerves or discs in the neck get overstretched or otherwise damaged when sudden, powerful jerks or jolts cause the head to snap violently backward and forward.
After suffering whiplash, people often benefit from knowing what to expect from their injuries.
Common symptoms of whiplash
According to Medical News Today, whiplash injury symptoms vary from one person to the next. Some of the most common symptoms associated with these types of neck injuries include the following:
- Neck stiffness, tenderness or pain
- Reduced cervical range of motion
- Dizziness
- Pain, numbness, or pins-and-needles sensation in the hands and arms
As a result of neck sprains and strains, people also sometimes experience blurred vision, ringing in the ears, vertigo and sleep disturbances.
Treatment of neck injuries
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, the medical treatment plans for those with whiplash injuries also vary. Often, care for these types of neck sprains and strains involves ice applications, the use of a cervical collar, gentle movement and osteopathic manipulation, and physical therapy. In some cases, health care professionals treating patients for whiplash also prescribe medications, such as pain relievers or muscle relaxants. Factors such as the person’s age and overall health, the extent of the injury, the person’s tolerance for specific care and modalities, and other such issues often inform medical providers as they develop treatment plans for those with whiplash.
Whiplash injuries commonly take a physical and emotional toll, as well as a financial toll on those who suffer them. Therefore, after car wrecks that result in neck sprains or strains, people may consider their available options for recovering compensation for their injury-associated losses.