Picture this: you are excited to go on a trip, you are heading towards the destination in your car, you can’t wait to get there, and SNAP! You just experienced whiplash. The sudden movement of the head or the body can damage muscles, ligaments, tendons, and other soft tissues present in your neck. This is known as whiplash. You will need to visit a specialist for whiplash treatment, but it might take months for you to fully recover. So, this raises a question: how long does whiplash last? Read this article to learn all about whiplash!
How Long Will Whiplash Last?
Generally, whiplash injuries last between 1 to 3 months. However, the healing period might vary from person to person and might last more than 3 months. In extreme cases, the injury might require a year to recover.
- Minor Whiplash: Did your whiplash occur as a result of a minor road accident? You may have a minor whiplash, which comes with some days of neck and upper back pain. The symptoms of a minor whiplash may reduce within 2 to 3 weeks.
- Chronic Whiplash: If your whiplash symptoms last 6 months or longer, it is called chronic whiplash. Serious accidents result in great damage to the head, neck, and upper body portion, as well as also lead to chronic whiplash injury. Sometimes, long-term side effects of whiplash stay for a long time, never fully going away in some instances. Patients who have suffered chronic whiplash will be recommended strong painkillers, long-term physiotherapy, rehabilitation, and even psychological support, depending on their condition.
What Does Whiplash Feel Like?
Usually, the symptoms of whiplash start occurring around 6 to 12 hours following the accident. In addition, inflammation and bruising might appear after 24 to 48 hours. Here are some signs associated with whiplash injury:
- Difficulty moving the head up and down or side to side due to a stiff neck.
- Pain in the upper and lower back.
- Shoulder and arm pain.
- Headache
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Numbness or tingling sensation in the arms
- Swelling
- Inflammation
Speeding Up the Recovery Process
You should immediately visit a doctor after receiving an injury or being in an accident. They will take everything into consideration, from the specifics of your accident to the pain level. Moreover, X-rays will be taken to make sure there is no additional neck damage. Your doctor will then suggest a suitable treatment according to your condition. You always follow your doctor’s advice, but you can speed up your recovery. After consulting your doctor, some tips that can help include:
- Icing the neck to reduce swelling.
- Take a painkiller recommended by your healthcare provider.
- Additional support, like a neck brace or a collar.
- Massages, moist heat, and other treatments that a doctor deems safe.
Consult Us for Effective Whiplash Treatment!
Your whiplash injury might heal within 3 weeks if it is minor, whereas a chronic whiplash may take 6 months or longer to recover. Make sure to visit an expert for effective solutions and suitable treatment!
Our team at Genesis Pain Clinic is looking forward to addressing your concerns; we are dedicated to making a difference by helping others. You can talk to us at (913) 871-9888 or give us a visit at 6700 W 121st St, Suite 300, Overland Park, KS 66209.