Undoubtedly, most Tennessee residents have heard of whiplash. Most know it is something that has to do with the neck and that it is a common car accident injury. However, what many might not realize is that whiplash can lead to chronic pain and the need for ongoing medical treatment.
According to the Mayo Clinic, whiplash is an injury that tends to be caused from a rear-end collision. What happens is that the force of the other car causes the head of a driver or passenger to suddenly move back and forth. This unexpected and sudden motion is one that falls outside the neck's regular range and can lead to tissue injuries.
Signs of whiplash normally develop within 24 hours. This means that while the signs can be apparent right after an accident, the neck can also not start hurting until several hours later. This is why it is always important to exchange information and make sure all accidents are properly documented.
In some cases, those who suffer from whiplash in a car accident recover in a couple of weeks. However, this is not always the case as there is an 18 percent chance of chronic issues arising.
Part of the reason for chronic issues is that the body naturally tries to compensate for the imbalance caused by the neck injury. This can lead to people not maintaining proper posture, which can lead to continued pain.
In the end, anyone who has been in a car accident should remember that whiplash is not something that should be taken lightly. If after an accident there is neck pain or stiffness, headache, dizziness, fatigue or blurred vision, a doctor should be contacted immediately.