Whiplash is one of the most common injuries you can sustain following a car accident, as well as being one of the most challenging to treat. Sometimes, you may not even be aware that you are suffering from whiplash, equating the symptoms you experience as mere pain and soreness post-accident. Most people know that when your car gets rear-ended in an accident, your head gets whipped back and forth rapidly, resulting in whiplash. In this article, we share with you more information about the four stages of whiplash.
Stage 1
During an accident, thanks to seatbelts, your body stays relatively stationary, but your head gets thrown forward rapidly. When your head meets your headrest, depending on the force of the impact, your head can be jerked forward yet again. Your headrest may eventually stop the movement of your head, but at this point, the damage has most likely been done.
Stage Two
Stage two occurs when your body reaches its maximum velocity. Your head has not begun moving forward at this stage, and you may be surprised to find out that your body can reach a faster speed than that your vehicle is moving at. With your body jerking forward so quickly and your head moving backwards as you attempt to regain control, the shearing force that takes place in your neck is tremendous. This often results in muscle tears, disc problems, nerve issues and possibly even fractures.
Stage Three
During this stage, your car starts to slow down, and the forward jerking motion of your body has been stopped by your seatbelt. However, it is also at this point when the forward jerking movement of your head is at its fastest. Additional damage can take place at this stage.
Stage Four
Although your body has come to a stop, your head is still being pushed forward to its maximum point. This creates a whipping motion, with your head acting as a weight at the end of your neck. What could result from this motion includes torn tissues, damaged ligaments and vertebral bones being pushed out of alignment.
Seeking Treatment for Whiplash
The adrenaline rush you experience during a car accident can cause the onset of symptoms to be delayed, however this adrenaline eventually wears off. Never dismiss your pain as something minor that you do not need to seek medical attention for. If left untreated, this can cause more serious complications and even loss of motion over time.
Start the Recovery Process with RejuvenX
Even if your injuries are seemingly minor, engaging car accident aftercare services is a must. This can help to catch any potential problems early and ensure that recovery can go as smoothly as possible. At RejuvenX, we utilize a combination of innovative and traditional methods to aid you in recovery, including laser therapy, postural rehab, and more. We have five clinics located across Florida that you can visit at your convenience. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you would like to schedule an appointment for your whiplash.
Disclaimer: No information on this article is purposive to substitute professional medical diagnosis, treatment or advice.
