Head and neck injuries are one of the most dangerous injuries that any person can possibly experience. Brought about by different situations such as accidents and sudden blows, it can cause some really deleterious effects and can even kill if the impact is that bad. One of the most common yet also one of the scariest head and neck injuries is whiplash, also known as cervical acceleration-deceleration or CAD. What are the different side effects of whiplash, and how can people deal with it?
- Neck pain- Just like any other condition, pain is often the first warning sign that something is very wrong in the body. Post-impact, the person can feel a sharp, acute pain. And often times, this pain doesn’t go away with rest and conventional treatments. It is also possible that the pain can go beyond the neck, with pain being felt in areas close to the neck such as the shoulders and back.
- Headaches- Because of the sheer impact of the whiplash, the person can experience headaches. On severe cases of whiplash, the headaches can be so bad that the person can barely move or even think straight. Acute headaches are very common after a whiplash, but they can also appear long after the accident has occurred.
- Sensory distortions- Tingling sensations in both the arms and legs, also known as pins and needles, can be felt by the patient both immediately and long after the accident. The severity can vary depending on the severity of the whiplash. But regardless of the level of severity, it can cause serious pain and trouble to the person. Problems with particular sense organs can also be experienced intermittently or even permanently after the accident.
Depending on the type of side effects of whiplash shown by the patient, one can identify the degree of whiplash the person experiences. Depending on the severity, a case can be classified into 5 distinct whiplash grades according to the Quebec Task Force. The lowest whiplash grade, also known as Grade 0, is reflected by the absence of any pain or physical signs. Meanwhile, the highest grade, known as Grade 4, the patient can show signs of a dislocated or broken neck, and on occasion a possible injury to the spinal cord.
If a person experiences any of the symptoms of whiplash, it’s very important that medical assistance must be administered immediately. Whiplash, when left untreated, can progressively get worse. And as it gets worse, the person gets more prone to debilitating and even fatal conditions. Rehabilitation is done to prevent pain from becoming chronic. Active rehab techniques such as exercises and physical therapy are considered more effective in dealing with whiplash issues. The type of treatment program used for these conditions depends on the grade of whiplash experienced.
The medical community always professes that the person must listen to whatever their body is saying. This is especially true for a medical condition that’s as potentially serious as whiplash. This is why it’s very important to understand the different side effects of whiplash. If you’re positive to any of these side effects, it’s important that you seek medical attention ASAP.
