There are a few reasons why whiplash injuries can be nuanced when it comes to treatment, and one of these is the fact that some of the symptoms of whiplash may be delayed in their onset – sometimes by hours, but sometimes by days or even weeks in rare cases. At the same time, however, there are often several immediate signs following a car accident that you or someone else in the vehicle has undergone whiplash.
At Peterson Chiropractic, we’re here to provide the best auto injury chiropractor services you’ll find in Utah, including whiplash treatments – no matter when you began feeling the symptoms. And while some of these may also double as delayed symptoms in certain cases, here’s a basic primer on some of the most common immediate whiplash effects, which often signal a need to visit one of our chiropractors for assistance.
Specific Pain and Stiffness
In many cases, some of the most common and immediate signs of whiplash will be specific pain and stiffness in certain areas of the body, particularly the neck. You may feel a sharp or dull pain in this area that makes turning your head difficult, often accompanied by some degree of stiffness that makes it hard to move freely.
This might also occur in other areas like the shoulders or upper back, where the impact of a car accident can cause similar issues. In some cases, this pain or stiffness may be localized to one specific area – in others, it may be more widespread.
Headaches
Another common immediate sign of whiplash is a headache, often caused by the sudden and forceful movement of the neck during a car accident. These can range from mild to severe, and may also come with a variety of types – tension headaches are common, but so too are migraines or even cluster headaches.
Dizziness
Some whiplash patients may experience bouts of dizziness immediately following a car accident, which can be a result of the sudden movement and disruption that takes place within the body during an impact. It’s important to take dizziness seriously, as it can be a sign of more serious injuries, such as a concussion.
Numbness or Tingling
In some cases, whiplash can also cause numbness or tingling in certain areas of the body – typically the arms and hands, but sometimes also the legs and feet. This is often a sign that something is pinching or pressing on a nerve in these areas, causing this unusual sensation.
Blurred Vision
Similarly to dizziness, blurred vision can be an immediate sign of whiplash that should be taken seriously. Blurred vision can occur as a result of the impact and disruption of the body during a car accident, and may also be a sign of more serious injuries like concussions or neck trauma.
Ear Ringing
Another unusual but possible immediate sign of whiplash is ringing in the ears. This may be caused by the sudden movement of the head during a car accident, which can lead to discomfort and ringing in one or both ears. If you experience this symptom following a car accident, it’s important to seek medical attention right away.
Overall, if you experience any of these symptoms following a car accident, it’s important to visit an auto injury chiropractor as soon as possible. Delayed treatment can lead to long-term complications, so don’t hesitate to get the care you need right away. And at Peterson Chiropractic, we’ll be here to provide the top-quality care and treatment that will help you recover from whiplash quickly and effectively. Contact us today for assistance with any need!