Symptoms of Whiplash

Are you experiencing headaches, pain, tightness, and discomfort in your neck following a motor vehicle collision or sports injury? If so, you might have whiplash, an injury that affects the soft tissue structures of your neck. 

What Is Whiplash?

Whiplash happens when your head moves quickly and forcefully backward and then forward. This sudden forceful movement can injure the joints, discs, ligaments, muscles, and nerve roots in your neck.

Symptoms 

• Neck Pain and Stiffness

Neck pain and stiffness are among the main symptoms of whiplash. The pain may affect the neck only or radiate to the shoulders and upper back. It can range in severity and may worsen with movement.
 

• Headaches

Many individuals with whiplash experience headaches. These can range from mild tension-type headaches to more severe migraines.
 

• Dizziness

Dizziness or a sensation of light-headedness is another common symptom of whiplash. It may also cause loss of balance, interfering with your daily routine.
 

• Blurred Vision

Whiplash can cause visual disturbances, including blurred vision or difficulty focusing. 
 

• Trouble Sleeping

The pain and discomfort in the neck area can make it challenging to find a comfortable sleeping position. This can lead to insomnia or restless sleep.
 

• Memory Problems

Whiplash can affect cognitive function, leading to difficulties in memory, concentration, and attention span. 
 

• Mood Changes

Whiplash can affect how you feel and act. You may get angry, nervous, sad, or experience mood swings after the injury. 

Severe Symptoms of Whiplash

Some people with whiplash may experience more severe symptoms that need urgent attention. These can include:
 

• Tingling/Numbness in the Arms or Hands

Whiplash can injure the nerves, making the arms or hands feel numb, prickly, or like they have “pins and needles.” These symptoms may indicate nerve involvement and requires evaluation by a healthcare professional.
 

• Weakness or Loss of Movement in the Arms or Hands

Whiplash can cause nerve damage that makes the arms or hands weak or unable to move. This requires immediate evaluation by a physician.
 

• Ringing in the Ears

Whiplash can make your ears ring or buzz, known as tinnitus. This should be evaluated by a physician to rule out other potential causes.
 

• Trouble Swallowing or Breathing

In rare cases of severe whiplash, individuals have trouble swallowing or breathing. These symptoms can indicate damage to the airway or other severe complications and require immediate medical attention.  

Conclusion

Whiplash can cause pain in your neck and diminish your quality of life. If you think you may have a whiplash injury, visit a chiropractor and learn how care can help you heal from whiplash and resume your usual activities.

For more information about whiplash and how to treat it, contact Atlantic Chiropractic Associates at our Milford, Georgetown, or Lewes, Delaware offices. Call (302) 309-9900 to schedule an appointment today.