Almost all Americans will be involved in at least one motor vehicle accident at some time in their life. Often we are able to walk away free of injury…or so we may think. Learn about the little noticed symptoms that can result in permanent pain and discomfort if not treated properly.
Injuries that result from a motor vehicle accident are often misunderstood. Frequently, the pain or other symptoms of the injury are not apparent at the time of the accident. In fact, some injuries are hidden so well they may be missed by emergency room technicians and can take weeks, months, and even years, months, and even years before actual symptoms show.
The amount of damage to the car does not depict the amount of injury sustained by the victim. Studies indicate that injuries can occur at impact speeds of 8 mph where there is little or even no damage to the car. Today’s cars absorb much of the impact in the bumper, but transmit this energy from impact to the person’s head and neck in much the same fashion as when one pool ball hits another.
The most common symptoms of a whiplash injury are pain or stiffness in the neck and shoulders, recurring headaches, numbness in the arms and fingers, irritability, a back pain, and dizziness.
Few people realize that an untreated neck or back injury from a car accident is likely to develop into arthritis in later years adding more pain and debilitation to the situation.