How Long Does Whiplash Last?

The first thing any patient wants to know is how long the whiplash pain is going to last. Every case is different. How long your symptoms last will depend on how bad the original injury was, how healthy you are, and the quality of your after-accident care.

The specifics of your situation will vary. It is important to see a skilled healthcare provider. They will be able to help you determine your next steps, and ensure that you recover properly.

To give you a better idea, let’s take a look at whiplash, how it is treated, and how Van Law Firm can help.

What is whiplash?

Whiplash is the pain you feel in the aftermath of a rapid “back and forth” movement of the head. The most common example is a car accident, when your head and neck are “whipped” back and forth, injuring the soft tissues such as the muscles and tendons in the neck. In severe cases, the brain itself can be damaged when it hits the inside of the skull. Repeated injuries can progressively worsen symptoms or cause long-term issues. The United States sees about 200,000 cases of whiplash every year.

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What is happening to the body during a whiplash injury?

A rapid back-and-forth movement injures the muscles, tendons, nerves, and other soft tissues in the affected area. Normally, your muscles and tendons work together to stabilize the head and neck. But when whiplash happens, these muscles cannot react in time and may be strained, sprained, or even torn. The nerves along the spinal cord itself may be irritated and cause tingling sensations or numbness. In severe cases, the brain itself may hit the inside of your skull and you will suffer a concussion.

How is whiplash diagnosed?

The majority of whiplash cases are minor and do not require immediate medical care. However, it is important to seek follow up care if you are experiencing severe or lingering symptoms or to rule out more serious injuries. Your care provider may order imaging such as x-rays, CT scans or MRIs to make sure there are no more severe injuries. The primary symptoms of whiplash is pain in the neck and shoulders or headaches.

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How is whiplash treated?

Most whiplash cases respond to over-the-counter pain medications such as Tylenol or Advil. It is also important to make sure that you rest in order to allow the injured tissues time to heal. Physical therapy may be recommended if your healthcare provider feels you may be prone to repeat injuries, or if the injury is severe. A pain management specialist may offer special injections to the site of injury to offer temporary relief.

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How long do whiplash symptoms last?

The duration of your symptoms will depend on the severity of the injury. Typically, you will feel better in a matter of days or weeks. If symptoms last longer than that, or if they get worse, you should contact your healthcare provider.

How can Van Law Firm help?

Van Law Firm has years of experience helping whiplash victims receive the help they need. If your injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, or you need help recovering funds from an insurance carrier, call us. We have a team of legal experts specializing in assisting clients and their loved ones recover from traumatic injuries and move on with their lives.

Call us today at (725) 900-9000 to speak with a legal expert about your situation – let us help you.