It is possible to suffer a sudden jolt after an auto accident or from an incident while riding a commuter rail. Some people manifest painful symptoms shortly after, but you might not feel anything until days have passed. Regardless, you may have experienced whiplash and will likely need medical attention.
Whiplash happens when a jolt strains the soft tissue in your neck. It is important to know the signs of whiplash so you can recognize if you should go to the doctor, especially if a few days have passed after experiencing a collision or other kind of accident. The Cleveland Clinic explains the different symptoms you might suffer from.
Physical symptoms
Fatigue is a common symptom of whiplash sufferers. You might experience it no matter how much sleep you get, which might seem perplexing if you do not know the cause. Alternatively, you might get little sleep at all because of insomnia.
Pain is also a possibility, and not just in your neck or head. A jolt to your body could cause neurological and muscle problems down into your shoulders or back. Even if you do not feel pain, your neck may be hard to turn due to stiffness. Whiplash can also produce muscle spasms, which are movements of your muscles that occur out of your control.
Cognitive symptoms
It is also possible to suffer mental issues from whiplash. You may have issues focusing on tasks or on concentrating. Whiplash can also cause you to forget things, resulting in a certain amount of memory loss. You might also experience abrupt changes in mood. You may have a bout of depression or anxiety for no apparent reason.
Lingering symptoms
Whiplash symptoms can vary in length. They may start to subside after a few days. Typically, a person who has suffered whiplash completely recovers after a few weeks. However, if the whiplash was severe, symptoms may linger for months or even years. This might also happen if you are older or have suffered back or neck injuries at some point in the past.
The possibility of lingering or worsening symptoms makes it crucial to have a doctor examine you after suffering a sudden jolt. What you learn about your injury from a physician may also help you if you become involved in legal action due to your injury.
