Written by Parnall Law Firm reviewed by Bert Parnall
Whiplash is a common injury associated with car accidents. It occurs when a speeding vehicle suddenly comes to a halt. You’ll likely experience symptoms immediately after the crash, but other signs may arise later.
The whiplash-delayed symptoms may appear a few hours or a few weeks after the date of the accident. You should, therefore, seek immediate medical attention, irrespective of the nature of the crash. A comprehensive medical exam can reveal any hidden issues, including whiplash injuries.
You may be entitled to compensation if injured in a car accident caused by someone else’s fault. Consult a trusted car accident attorney in New Mexico to learn ways of pursuing compensation from the at-fault party.
What Is a Whiplash?
A whiplash is a neck injury caused by a forceful and rapid back-and-forth movement resembling a whip’s cracking. These types of injuries are common in rear-end accidents. The injury affects your neck’s muscles, discs, nerves, and tendons.
Pain in the neck and shoulders is the main symptom of whiplash injuries. A whiplash injury can affect anyone at any age. However, older adults, women, and people assigned female at birth are likely to sustain severe and lasting injuries.
Whiplash injuries are serious in older adults (over 65) because they are more prone to muscle and bone injuries of all kinds.
Common Whiplash Delayed Symptoms
Here’s a list of delayed whiplash injuries:
- Neck stiffness and pain
- Limited range mobility in the neck
- Numbness and tingling in the arms
- Headaches that start at the base of the skull
- Pain or tenderness in the shoulder, arms, or upper back
- Pain that worsens with neck movement
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
Other people experience the following symptoms:
- Depression
- Memory problems
- Trouble concentrating
- Blurred vision
- Trouble sleeping
- Ringing in the ears
Whiplash Treatments
Treatment of whiplash aims to achieve the following objectives:
- Manage pain
- Restore the ability to move the neck
- Go back to your regular abilities
A healthcare provider will design a treatment plan depending on the extent of the injury.
Here are the common forms of whiplash treatment:
Pain Management
A healthcare provider may suggest one or more of the following to control pain:
- Rest: You may need to rest for a day or two after the injury. However, too much rest may slow down your healing.
- Muscle Relaxants: Short-term use of muscle relaxants may loosen tight muscles and soothe pain. The medication can also restore your sleep pattern if pain prevents you from resting well.
- Prescription Medication: A healthcare provider may recommend antidepressants to people with more severe pain because they have shown effectiveness in relieving nerve pain.
- Heat or Cold Treatment: Either heat or cold placed on the neck for 15 minutes every three hours can help you feel better.
- Numbing Shots: An injection of Lidocaine into the painful muscle areas might decrease pain and allow physical therapy.
Exercise
A healthcare provider might recommend stretching and movement exercises at home. These exercises can restore your range of motion and allow you to resume regular activities.
The most applicable exercises include:
- Rolling your shoulders
- Rotating the neck to each side
- Tilting the head side to side
- Bending the neck towards the chest
Physical Therapy
If you have ongoing whiplash pain, physical therapy might help you feel better and prevent further injury. A professional therapist will guide you through exercises to strengthen your muscles, improve posture, and restore movement.
Sometimes, a health professional may use transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). TENS dispatches a mild electric current to the skin, temporarily easing neck pain and enhancing muscle strength.
Why Are Some Symptoms Delayed After a Car Accident?
After the crash, the body releases adrenaline and endorphins, which mask the initial symptoms. The chemical effect disappears, and the symptoms begin to appear. Endorphins create a calming effect, so you remain collected and in control.
When the effect of the hormone is over, the soft tissues begin to experience the impact of the injury.
Inflammation is another reason for delayed symptoms associated with whiplash injuries. It takes several hours for inflammation to appear, and only when fully developed do you realize the full extent of the injury.
Tiny tearing could occur during the accident, but it may be too small to notice initially. The weakened area may become worse over time.
Why You Shouldn’t Underestimate Your Pain?
You should seek a doctor if you experience neck pain or other whiplash symptoms after a car accident. A healthcare provider will diagnose to rule out broken bones and other damages that may cause or worsen your symptoms.
While many people with whiplash injuries feel better within a few weeks, there is a risk of severe and lasting injury for months and years after injury. Getting urgent medical attention can reduce the risk of complications.
How Can a Car Accident Lawyer Help You?
Although many injured victims obtain compensation from the at-fault party’s insurer, working with a car accident attorney enhances your chances of a fair outcome. Your chances of recovering from a whiplash injury also depend on a settlement value that matches your losses.
The input of a car accident attorney is vital in proving the extent of your injury. An attorney can compile various sources of evidence, including medical records, medical bills, police accident reports, and eyewitness statements.
The availability of evidence strengthens a car accident case. Subsequently, an attorney can negotiate with an insurer for a higher settlement value enough to cover your losses.
An attorney will also ensure you obtain compensation for various damages, including medical expenses, lost income, emotional anguish, loss of companionship, and transport expenses to and from medical appointments.
Speak to an Experienced Car Accident Attorney to Discover Your Options
People who sustain whiplash injuries often experience pain for months and years after the accident. They deserve compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other losses associated with the injury.
Working with a trusted attorney like Parnall Law enhances your chances of obtaining a fair settlement value for your losses. Contact us online or at (505) 268-6500 for a free consultation.
