
This injury can sprain the soft tissues of the neck. That is the muscles, the ligaments, joints and the nerve tissues. In some cases the pain goes away after a few months while in others it may become chronic, resulting in a limitation of enjoyment of life.
Symptoms of whiplash
- Pain and stiffness in the neck, shoulder and lower back.
- Headaches
- Jaw pain
- Pain and/or tingling in the arm.
- Dizziness
- Ringing in the ears.
- Blurred vision or difficulty reading, watching television.
- There may be cognitive difficulties such as lack of concentration and memory loss.
- Psychological problems; sleep problems, depression, anxiety or irritability.
In severe motor car accidents, whiplash can damage the spinal cord, resulting in neurological dysfunction or paralysis below the level of the injury. Compression injuries can affect the brain, causing hematomas – a serious condition in which blood gathers between the brain and the skull. Hematomas may give rise to loss of consciousness, confusion, double vision and loss of motor skills. People with these serious injuries are seen in hospital as a matter of utmost urgency.