Car accidents happen all too often. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), about 6 million accidents occur in the United States every year. Any accident can result in a common injury called whiplash. Whiplash can cause back, neck, and shoulder pain – which can worsen when not treated. Read on to learn why you should always consult a physical therapist after a car accident.
Physical Therapy for Whiplash
Whiplash is a term used to describe an injury where the neck extends beyond its normal range of motion. This happens quite frequently in car accidents since the force of one car colliding with another causes your neck and head to suddenly move in an unatural way. When someone experiences whiplash, they may feel the following symptoms:
- Pain in the head, neck, upper back, or shoulders
- Extreme stiffness in the neck or back
- Headaches or migraines
- Tingling in the arms or fingers
- Dizziness or fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Fuzzy memory
Delayed Symptoms
Whiplash symptoms don’t always materialize right away. Sometimes it could take days to notice the first symptom. Even if you think you’re fine after experiencing whiplash from a car accident – even a minor one – it’s important to see a doctor and physical therapist soon after. Putting off treatment could result in more severe symptoms, reduced mobility, and even chronic pain. Educated physical therapists can identify spine issues, and use stretches and customized exercises to minimize your discomfort. The key is to start treatment as soon as possible.
Have you recently been in a car accident? Come see our expert physical therapists at Activity First right away. We can Identify any undetected injuries and help you heal from them!