Why is Whiplash So Dangerous?
- Posted on: Aug 25 2020
Whiplash is one of the most common injuries people get from a car accident. It occurs when the head is forced forward, then whipped backwards suddenly. It can damage the tendons, ligaments, and tissue found in the neck and spine. Unfortunately, this damage can be quite severe. But it’s only one of the reasons why whiplash is so dangerous.
It’s an Invisible Injury
When you have a cut, a bruise, a broken bone, or other obvious injuries, the medical team at the scene of the accident knows to treat them. These injuries are obvious to any doctor or medical professional. Whiplash, however, it’s easy to quickly diagnose. It’s not something that is immediately visible to a first responder or even to a doctor. It’s also not something you may notice right away. Your adrenaline rush can easily cover any of the pain from whiplash. The pain may not even appear after that initial rush. You may not feel whiplash pain for several days.
Primary Care Doctors Aren’t Experts in the Neck and Spine
Another reason whiplash is so dangerous is that primary care doctors often miss it or don’t know what to look for. They’re not experts in treating injuries of the neck and spine. While many will suggest you see an orthopedic specialist, not all doctors will, especially if they think your neck is fine. If you’re not feeling any pain and there’s no obvious damage, they may not recognize that you have whiplash.
Whiplash Symptoms Can Last for Years
In most cases, whiplash only lasts a few months. You’ll recover without any type of surgery, though seeing a chiropractor can help. However, if you have more than mild damage and it’s not addressed, it’s possible you will experience symptoms for months or even years. It could turn into chronic pain that impacts your ability to enjoy life.
This potential for long-term damage coupled with the fact that whiplash isn’t always easy to diagnose means that you need to seek an expert opinion after a car accident. If you know you experienced whiplash, called Maximum Orthopedics today. Our experts know exactly what to look for and how to treat this condition.
Posted in: Auto Accidents, Blog