Bottom Line:

Symptoms of whiplash include neck pain, back pain, headaches, difficulty moving, and in some cases dizziness and confusion. Pain never sounds like fun, especially if it’s always present and amplified by movement. It’s hard to go through your day if you can’t move without pain. Sort of like trying to drive your car with 4 flat tires. Yes, it can be done, but it’d just be easier, better, and more comfortable if they were fixed. 

If you’ve been involved in an automobile accident recently, or even in the past, you may be wondering how long these symptoms may last. 

GOOD NEWS! With a proper evaluation and early treatment, there’s a high likelihood of getting well within a matter of weeks. However, the longer you wait to receive the evaluation and treatment, the more difficult it can be to get back to feeling better. This timeframe is also dependent on the individual, how they react to care, and how significant the accident may have been. 

Why it Matters:

One of the most common injuries associated with whiplash is ligament tearing. 

Ligaments are the short, tough bands of connective tissue that hold together the bones of your neck and other joints within your body. If these ligaments are torn, it can cause neck pain along with possible instability.

The average time it takes a ligament to heal is about 6 weeks with the proper care and treatment. The healing process can be broken into 3 phases. 

·       The Acute Inflammatory Phase: Lasts up to 72 hours following the injury

·       The Repair Phase: May take up to 6 weeks 

·       The Final (Remodeling) Phase: In certain cases can last up to 1 year

A ligament that does not properly heal can result in osteoarthritis.

(We should also note, if you notice symptoms like headaches, dizziness, or impaired memory, you may have suffered a mild brain injury. A majority of people with these injuries recover within 3 months.)

Next Steps: 

After an accident, the most important step you can take is to receive a full evaluation. 

Only after a complete evaluation will you be able to know what type of injuries you've sustained, and most importantly, how to get well. 

It’s surprising how many people shrug off a "small" accident and push their symptoms aside. 

While that may save a little time and money today, it's likely to result in much more pain down the road. So don’t hold off on taking care of your body today!

If you, or someone you know has been involved in any kind of auto accident make a mental note to schedule your evaluation with your chiropractor today. Time is of the essence!

Dalton Sealey DC, CSCS

ProMove Chiropractic & Performance

(402)915-4901

drsealey@promovechiropractic.com 

Science Source(s): 

Ligament Injury and Healing: A Review of Current Clinical Diagnostics and Therapeutics. ORJ. 2013.