Whiplash is one of the most common and serious neck injuries that people can experience. Unfortunately, these injuries are a common byproduct of auto accidents. This occurs due to the sudden change of directions that the neck will undergo by being whipped forward and then back. While this type of injury is common for auto accidents, this is not the only situation that can lead to this injury.

Is Whiplash Actually A Serious Injury?

Individuals often assume that whiplash is not a serious injury as a result of the lack of visible swelling or bruising. However, if a patient has suffered whiplash, their neck may have suffered significant muscle or ligament strain. In some cases, there may even be tearing that occurred. As a result of this extensive trauma, patients may find that they will suffer intense pain as well as a significant reduction in their range of movement and quality of life.

Why Can It Take Some Time For Whiplash To Cause Pain?

Unlike most other injuries, it is not always immediately apparent that whiplash has occurred. In fact, a patient may assume that they escaped the accident with no major injuries for several days after the event. Yet, when the pain starts to be felt, it will likely continue to worsen until treated. Another potential cause for this delay can be due to the injury-causing alignment problems with the neck. This issue will lead to worsening pain as the misalignment will cause uneven strain on the neck muscles and vertebrae.

What Types Of Treatments Can Whiplash Patients Expect To Undergo?

While some patients may assume that they simply need to rest their neck until the pain subsides, this can be the worst approach to take as it can prevent the neck muscles from strengthening enough to avoid future injuries. As a result, a patient will want to take a holistic approach to healing from their whiplash injury. This may include wearing a brace to help support the neck as the weight of the head can be enough to put a lot of strain on the injured muscles and ligaments. In addition to wearing the brace, you may also have to undergo rehabilitation. This can be a part of the recovery that individuals may like the least, as it can involve exercising and stretching the neck muscles, but it is among the most important steps in the recovery. Otherwise, your neck may never fully recover, which can expose you to a greater risk of further neck damage.

For more information on whiplash treatments, contact a chiropractor.