There are a lot of indications beyond the obvious sore neck. The neck is an easy area to injure, and any jarring in an accident can cause mild to severe injuries. These symptoms should always be taken seriously as they have connections to the spine and nerves. The nerve connection to the spine is what can spread pain to many areas of the body.
These various indications include:
- Pain in the arms and legs
- Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet
- Shoulder pain or loss of motion
- Lower back pain
There are also several other peripheral signs that can indicate nerve damage or trauma, but may seem like unrelated issues. These signs include:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Blurred vision
- Changes in eyesight
- Loss of concentration
- Memory problems
- Excessive fatigue
- Sleeplessness
- Irritability
- Confusion
All of these whiplash signs are a reason to call your doctor immediately. If you have not seen a doctor following your accident, make sure you explain the details of the accident including the time and date so that your doctor can associate your injuries with the accident in his report.
How Long Injuries Last
For very minor cases you will probably feel better within a day or two, but, you can still claim for compensation, so you should still seek the advice of a solicitor. More moderate injuries can take several weeks, and even a few months to heal. During that time your doctor will give you treatments or send you to a qualified physiotherapist. It is necessary to follow all of your doctor’s advice, including not returning to work or other activities too early to avoid further damage.
Serious to Extremely Serious Injuries
Severe nerve damage, bone fractures and splinters, herniated discs and spinal column damage are the most severe forms of whiplash. These can take many months, and require surgery to heal.
Physiotherapy for Injuries
The most common treatment for car accident related injuries is physiotherapy sessions. These involve varying degrees of movement, and at the beginning the exercises are extremely mild, to non-existent. If you are unable to move at all, the early stages of physiotherapy involve massage and manipulation by the therapist.
As you begin to get a range of motion, then you will have exercises to do yourself, starting with limited movements and gradually working your way up to more strenuous motions.
Finally at the last stages of treatment you will begin to do normal daily activities. Slowly at first so you do not aggravate your condition and cause further injury, then more until you are back to your everyday life.
While it is tempting to do as much as possible, pushing yourself can cause more harm than good. Follow your doctor’s advice and keep your solicitor informed of all progress so that you can get better fast.
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