10 Common Symptoms of Whiplash

There are a few common symptoms of whiplash that you should look out for. Most blunt force trauma injuries get your immediate attention, particularly those caused by auto accidents. Injuries are easy to spot when you can clearly see them. However, there are some injuries that you can’t physically see or feel right away, such as whiplash, which is one of the more common injuries that may not present symptoms until later. You might not be aware that a whiplash injury has occurred until 24 hours after the fact.

There are numerous signs that can indicate a whiplash injury has occurred—if you know what to look for. Our staff here at Utah Accident Clinic lists the 10 most common symptoms of whiplash. 

Do I Have Whiplash?

Whiplash is caused by sudden and unexpected trauma of the neck—the head is jerked back and forth in a rapid motion, not unlike the tail of a whip as it cracks in the air. While car accidents are one of the more common causes of whiplash, any situation where the neck muscles and ligaments are stretched beyond their usual range of motion could result in serious injury.

The Most Typical Sign of Whiplash

Whiplash injuries vary from mild to severe, but most victims will notice some sort of significant neck pain. Stiffness of the neck muscles is the body’s way of compensating for the injury by restricting your range of movement to prevent further damage. Most commonly, whiplash victims will experience an increasing amount of neck pain when moving around.

It’s also common for neck pain and stiffness to extend into the shoulder blades and upper back. At some point, any kind of movement may be painful. In such cases, the victim should seek immediate chiropractic care.

The 10 Most Common Symptoms of Whiplash

In addition to neck pain and stiffness, common warning signs of whiplash may include:

• Headaches, usually starting at the base of your neck
• Dizziness or disorientation, even when seated
• Tenderness in your shoulders or upper back 
• Blurred or foggy vision
• Concentration or memory problems
• Tingling sensations in your arms
• Numbness in the upper body, typically between your shoulder blades 
• Increasing fatigue
• Mild depression
• Difficulty sleeping

Of course, you could have one or more of these symptoms at the same time, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that you have suffered a whiplash injury. These are the most likely signs that whiplash has occurred. To get a confirmed diagnosis, it’s best to visit a chiropractor or medical professional. Contact Utah Accident Clinic to get a free consultation today.