Have you suffered from a whiplash injury? Are you wondering what to expect regarding whiplash recovery time? Read on for a basic understanding of whiplash injury and what you should know about treatment and recovery time.
What is whiplash, and how does it happen?
Whiplash is a type of neck injury that occurs when the head is suddenly jerked forward and then back, causing strain on the neck muscles and ligaments. This injury can happen in a car accident, during contact sports, or any other situation where the head is jolted quickly. The sudden movement can cause damage to the soft tissues in the neck, leading to pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion. The most common injuries we see at Beeson Wellness are from car injuries, not excluding head-on crashes, T-bone accidents, and rollover accidents.
Symptoms of whiplash and when to seek medical attention.
Symptoms of whiplash can include neck pain, stiffness, headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. These symptoms may not appear immediately after the injury and can take several hours or even days to develop. If you experience any of these symptoms after a head or neck injury, seeking medical attention right away is essential. In our blog, Whiplash Injuries, we cover in more detail the causes of whiplash, its symptoms, and the delayed effects of whiplash.
How Long Does It Take to Recover from Whiplash?
Patients often ask us, “How long does it take to recover from whiplash?” Recovery time depends on many factors. Three key determining factors are:
- Age
- Your health status
- The severity of the trauma to the body
The most common diagnosis we find are:
- Sprains, strains of soft tissues, muscles, and ligaments
- Concussions
- Fractures
Other factors that can affect the severity of injury are:
- The speed of impact
- Force
- The size of the vehicle’s mass
Our medical team's first goal is to reduce your pain and spasms, followed by an improved range of motion and joint function.
The team collaborates and then writes a treatment plan by going over your history, examination, and laboratory findings. Your recovery plan can include the following:
- Manual therapy to the joints
- Physical rehabilitation
- Medical treatment without the use of drugs or surgery.
So, following emergency care, the first thing to do is call us to evaluate your condition. Delaying treatment can lead to a greater probability of permanent injury and delayed healing.
Tips for Speeding Up the Recovery Process
While whiplash recovery time can vary, some tips can help speed up the healing process. Rest is essential in the early stages of recovery, but it's also important to gradually increase activity and exercise as tolerated. Physical therapy exercises can help improve your range of motion and strengthen the neck muscles. We may also suggest you apply heat or ice to the affected area to help reduce pain and inflammation depending on your injury.
In Summary
Many factors are involved in the time it takes to recover from a whiplash injury. Delaying treatment can lead to delayed recovery and, in some cases, permanent damage. So, don't wait to get treated for a whiplash injury. Call us today; our team of professionals is ready to help you!
Dr. Dan Beeson
Beeson Wellness
