Whiplash is an injury that occurs when your neck is thrown forward and backward very quickly and with great force. It’s one of the most common injuries in car accidents, with at least a million Americans affected each year. This is most often a result of rear-end auto collisions; it can also be caused by impacts when playing sports or from falls. Whiplash is relatively easy to detect, requiring just a bit of informed knowledge and physical therapy to be able to make a simple, reliable self-diagnosis.

5 Symptoms That Indicate You Might Have Whiplash

1. Headaches at the Base of the Skull

The sudden pressure of an injury to the neck or upper spine can cause pain and soreness in the region between the top of your neck and the base of your skull. Recurrent headaches in this area are a reliable indicator of whiplash.

2. Pain in Shoulders or Upper Arms

Pain in the upper neck and the head won’t necessarily be restricted to those parts of your body. Pressure on your neck can easily impact the muscles in the upper body, spreading pain to the shoulders and upper arms.

3. Pain or Stiffness in the Neck

If you’re having trouble turning your head or rolling your neck after an accidental impact, there’s a good chance you’re dealing with whiplash. Because this injury affects the neck most immediately and most significantly, this is the area of the body where you’re most likely to feel it first.

4. Fatigue

The strain of trying to use your muscles as usual while coping with whiplash can cause significant tiredness, lowering energy levels, and sapping your strength. This fatigue is one of the more common complaints after an accident, and it’s one of the most telling signs in the 24 hours immediately afterward.

5. Blurry Vision

This is less common than the other symptoms, but it can be an indication of even more serious complications. An impact can be attributed to concussion or even damage to the optic nerve. Blurry vision can make it hard to focus or contribute to dizziness.

If you’re worried that you may be suffering from whiplash, you could benefit from the help of a professional physical therapist. For recovery from this injury, rely on StayFIT Physical Therapy in Aiea and Kapolei, HI. The professionals at StayFIT know that no two injuries are the same, which is why they’re proud to offer treatments tailored to every patient’s individual needs. To learn more about how they can help you in your recovery, call (808) 487-0487, or visit them online to schedule a physical therapy session today.