After a car accident many people may feel a tightening in their neck and shoulders also known as whiplash. It’s a painful injury that can occur when the ligaments, tendons and other soft tissues in the neck are suddenly forced beyond their normal range of motion, leading to tearing and strain.
Whiplash is most commonly associated with rear-end accidents, but it can also be from contact sports, amusement park rides, or physical abuse. These various types of activities can sometimes cause an intense flexing and extension of the neck rapidly.
The pain of whiplash may not be noticeable right away but could develop over hours or weeks. Common symptoms of this injury can include neck pain, dizziness, headache, limited range of neck movement, and more. Whiplash typical recovery time is within a few days, but in more severe complications from whiplash can take three months to fully recover.
Your health care provider will determine the best treatment for whiplash based on the extent of the injury. Treatment may include pain management, stretching, and physical therapy. If you are interested in learning more about the causes, symptoms and treatment of whiplash, check out the accompanying infographic below.
Infographic created by Capital Auto Auction
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