Many people mistakenly categorize whiplash as a minor injury, but that’s far from the truth. Whiplash occurs when your body is traveling at a certain speed within the car and then comes to a slamming halt. The forces placed on your neck and spine cause it to whip back and forth rapidly, tearing muscles, ligaments and other bodily structures. The result is pain and inflammation, which may take a while to present themselves.
What Other Common Side Effects Accompany Car Accidents?
Whiplash may be accompanied by a variety of other symptoms. These include:
- Headaches
- Pins and needles
- Pain or soreness in the arms
- Lower back pain
- Insomnia
- Anxiety or depression
While such symptoms might seem totally unrelated, we frequently see a great deal of emotional distress accompanying car wrecks. If you are feeling any of these symptoms following an accident, seek help right away.