By Dr. Alejandro Blanco
Some may consider whiplash to be a lesser degree of injury when, in fact, the opposite is often true. Whiplash can cause immediate or delayed, and long term chronic pain and disorders. If you were in a vehicular accident and experienced whiplash, you would have typically been hit from behind. This causes the spine to push upwards into the neck region as the head goes forward and then forcefully back, causing a disruption in the normal curvature of the cervical spine, as well as the lower spine.
Whiplash can cause the following:
• Severe pain (cervicalgia)
• Concussions
• Neck stiffness, instability and range of motion limitations
• Pain (can radiate to shoulder, arm, hand, etc.)
• Tingling
• Numbness
• Weakness
• Pinched nerves
• Balance issues
• Lack of coordination
• Depression and Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Cognitive Disorders
• Behavioral changes
• Inability to live normally or complete daily tasks
Whiplash symptoms can linger for months to years and most often occur in multiple symptoms as opposed to just one. Meaning they’re complex and difficult to diagnose. If you were in an accident, you must get checked by a medical professional that specializes in this field.
Accidents can happen any time and are often inevitable. We can drive as responsibly and safely as we know how, but we can’t control the other drivers reactions, the weather, vehicular malfunctions or hazardous conditions.
What to do if you’re in an accident
Accident victims have only 14 days from the time of an accident to see a doctor if you want insurance to cover your medical fees. Internal Medicine Partners of Naples can help walk you through the process and get you a detailed report of your medical condition.
See a medical specialist and report your injuries
Car accidents can cause a variety of serious personal injuries and even death. Most people hurt in a car crash suffer impact injuries, from slamming around inside the vehicle upon collision. Some are even injured by being hit by unsecured articles & cargo that become airborne in a crash.
After most minor accidents, you might feel fine, but these symptoms should not be ignored:
• Headaches
• TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury)
• Lethargy
• Back Pain
• Neck Pain
• Broken Bones
• Numbness
• Dizziness
• Cervicalgia
Essential Steps to Take
• Get medical attention
• Speak to a Personal Injury Attorney
• Keep a record of your injuries
• Write down and date any new symptoms (radiating pain, sleep disturbances, hearing loss)
• Update your physician in writing with every new symptom that you endure
If you’ve been in an accident, getting medical treatment is crucial
Even if you don’t have symptoms, getting a thorough diagnosis via physical examination, diagnostic testing and imaging, medical treatment and follow up are all critical to your wellbeing, and essential if you plan on pursuing legal damages.
Whether you show symptoms of injury or not, it’s imperative to have a check-up to rule out possible long-term effects.
Get Your Free Initial Consultation
Dr. Alejandro Blanco is accepting new patients. Please call (239) 596-8804 to schedule your appointment, www.accidentdrnaples.com