Whiplash is one of the most common injuries in automobile crashes. It occurs upon impact where the body and the car suddenly stop or are pushed in an opposing direction which causes a rapid acceleration of the head and neck to be propelled forward and then back within an instant.

Not only can the soft tissue in the neck be damaged, the bones may potentially sustain injury as well. It often times leads to chronic pain in the body.

Whiplash will not heal if simply left alone. Treatment should begin as soon as possible to achieve the best possible outcome in healing.

When most of us hear the word whiplash we picture someone in a big white stabilizer collar who has just been in a head on Collison. This isn’t always the case. Here are a few facts you may not be aware of:

Pain is only one symptom of whiplash

Most people suffering from whiplash will complain about neck, back & shoulder pain, tiredness, headache, jaw pain, dizziness, visual disturbance. Because of the chronic pain, painkiller dependency can become an issue.

High speed isn’t needed for whiplash to occur

Studies conclude that results showed that even at a speed of 2.5 mph, 29% of people involved in car accidents can still develop whiplash related symptoms.

Rest can equal slower healing and more pain

Common sense would say that after an accident you should rest and let the body heal. This isn’t actually the case with whiplash injuries. By allowing the neck to excessively rest and be immobile it often times stiffens up, resulting in more pain and slower healing.

It is recommended to return your usual daily activities even if you ae still in moderate pain. Many studies have shown that the earlier you get back to your daily activities, the quicker you are going to heal. However, if the pain is severe, please consult your doctor immediately.

X-rays may not reveal a fracture

Most whiplash cases do not show fractures when X-rayed. This “lack of injury” is often an out for insurance carriers. However, a common finding that is usually associated with whiplash is the straightening of the cervical curve. The straightening is usually caused by muscle spasm resulting from the shock from impact and may explain the pain. This should be enough to institute coverage.

Types of care and treatment that can help

• Chiropractic care
• X-rays
• MRI
• Ultrasound
• Massage
• Structural Integration (Rolfing)
• Physical Therapy
• Heat and Ice Therapy
• Anti-Inflammatories (natural and pharmaceutical)
• Stretching/Yoga

Treatment can last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months with the possibility of repercussions ongoing for a lifetime depending on the severity of injury. In the State of Florida your PIP coverage will cover medical expenses, including chiropractic and certain types of massage, up to $10,000.

Never simply suffer through the pain hoping for it to go away. You only have 14 days after an accident to seek medical attention in relation to an accident in the state of Florida. Seeking the help of trained professionals as soon as possible after an accident is the best course of action you can take to get yourself on the road to healing. Please visit www.ipalc.org to search for the best physicians in your area.