How Long Can It Take To Recover From Whiplash?
According to a report by the NHS, the most common cause of whiplash injury to patients is from rear impact car collisions. Although the condition usually has similar symptoms from case to case, the time it takes for them to become apparent can differ and the time recovery from whiplash takes can also vary.
Whiplash is a painful condition brought about as the result of a sudden impact jerking the neck and spine so that they imitate the action of a whip. This whipping motion sends the head forward at great speed, which is then snapped back with similar force. This motion often extends the vertebrae and surrounding soft tissues, including muscles and tendons, beyond their normal range. This can result in tearing, bruising and over-stretching, which can give rise to a number of symptoms.
If the muscles are not torn, the symptoms of whiplash may not be immediately recognisable. Much of the pain and loss of mobility associated with whiplash comes as the result of swelling and the muscles stiffening. However, the vertebrae that make up the spine also house an intricate network of nerves and neural pathways. If these are damaged, they can give rise to other symptoms beyond pain and stiffness, which is why whiplash can display a variety of symptoms.
Generally, whiplash symptoms include neck and back pain and stiffness, reduced neck and back mobility and pain in the shoulders. However, because of the delicacy of the spinal column, other symptoms can include blurred vision, headaches, tinnitus, pain in both arms, poor concentration and memory loss.
Immediate treatment can help to manage the pain, reduce stiffness, control other symptoms and also lead to a faster recovery period. The application of ice packs and the use of painkillers can help to reduce swelling and ease physical discomfort. However, these measures may offer only temporary respite as symptoms of pain and stiffness can often be worse the next day. Most doctors will prescribe a course of physiotherapy to counter any mobility problems and to ease stiffness and pain.
Because of the complicated nature of whiplash injuries, symptoms manifest at different times for different people. As a rule, symptoms should start to become evident between six and twelve hours after the impact. However, it is not uncommon for symptoms of whiplash to surface days after the event. To further cloud the matter, there have been recorded cases of whiplash symptoms taking weeks or even months to become apparent.
If you believe you have suffered a whiplash injury, you should seek medical attention as soon as you start to experience any symptoms associated with the condition. The sooner you receive medical attention, the better your chances are of managing the injury before it develops into a more painful and debilitating condition. In addition, ensuring that your symptoms are recorded can be vital should you intend to pursue a personal injury claim. According to UK law, victims have up to three years in which to launch a personal injury claim, so it doesn't matter whether you experience symptoms within hours or even months of a collision.
About the Author:
We deal in a range of claims, including whiplash and compensation.
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