How do you know if you have a Whiplash Injury?

How Do I Know If I Have Whiplash?
Sever Whiplash Injury causes stiffness, swelling and tenderness in the muscles and ligaments of the neck. The slightest movement is met with considerable pain. Headaches and muscle spasms are also common side effects of whiplash. Pain can radiate from the neck, down into the shoulders and upper back.
This type of soft tissue damage does not have immediate symptoms, typically 6 to 12 hours will pass before the swelling and pain become noticeable. In less sever cases or for those with a high pain tolerance, are on pain or anti-inflammatory medications or are too young to articulate what is going on, no symptoms may be noticed at all for some time. For this reason, it is important to see a whiplash and concussion certified doctor of chiropractic after any kind of crash for an evaluation.
When you go to the hospital after an accident they use x-ray or MRI to look for broken or fractured bones. Soft tissue injuries are not detectable with X-ray or MRI machines however loss of motion and misaligned spinal bones are and those are the exact things Dr. James Ide, doctor of chiropractic in Fenton MI looks for when treating patients at Painless Chiropractic. During an accident, your body releases adrenaline as a natural defense mechanism. However, adrenaline overrides the body’s pain sensors, which is why whiplash is so difficult to immediately detect.
Lesser known whiplash symptoms include:
- numbness, pain or tingling sensations in the arms and hands
- dizziness
- lower back pain
- fatigue
- vertigo
- poor concentration
- memory loss
- stiffness
- headaches
Long-Term Whiplash Symptoms
Whiplash takes time to heal, normally 6 weeks to 4 months. For some, these symptoms can last even longer. Persistent headaches, dizziness, and the feeling of pins and needles down through the arms are indicators of chronic or long-term whiplash. Psychological and emotional changes also accompany chronic whiplash, causing feelings of anxiety or depression.
How to File a Whiplash Injury Claim
After any accident, medical treatment should always be your first priority and after you have contacted the authorities to write up a police report you should naturally contact your insurance company to file a claim. Your health is arguably your most significant personal possession. Even if the paramedics do not arrive on the scene, be sure to see a doctor of chiropractic that is certified to diagnose and treat whiplash after a car accident. The doctors at Painless Chiropractic are able to diagnose your injury, as well as refer you to see an MD, such as a pain doctor, if need be for pain medications or muscle relaxers after your accident.
You will need to have all your medical treatment records readily available when filing an injury claim. Insurance claims adjusters are notoriously suspicious of injury claims after an accident which is why it is best to seek treatment immediately after your accident. A thorough paper trail of medical treatment is your best defense against a claims adjuster’s attempts to deny your injury. There job is to save their company money so we can’t hold it against them.
Tip: It is advised by many law firms, not speak with the other party’s insurance claim adjuster! They represent the insurance companies and are trained to make your injuries seem less harmful due to the accident or perhaps from an old injury.
It is advised to allow a lawyer to speak on your behalf whenever possible. Hiring a personal injury attorney may ensure you are compensated by the negligent driver responsible for your injuries. By lifting the burden of legal matters off your shoulders, your attorney can help you focus on healing. If you would like to speak with an attorney we would be happy to refer you to someone who can help you find the right one for you.
How a Whiplash Doctor Can Help
It’s vital for you to speak to a car accident doctor as soon as possible after a crash. They will ensure that the proper diagnostic procedure are done and bill your medical claims to your auto insurance for you, making sure they are filed in a timely manner, and advise you on your future treatment options to regain your previous state of health.
Reach Out to Us Today
You have a limited time to seek medical help after a car accident in order for the insurance company to pay for a claim. That is why it is important to speak with a Local Whiplash Pain Doctor right away.
Whiplash evaluations are always free, confidential and at no obligation. Find out your next steps today by contacting us using the web form, or by calling 1-(810) 214-0684.