How Long Does It Take to Recover From Car-Accident–Related Whiplash?
The impact of virtually any motor vehicle collision can cause a whiplash injury, even if you are traveling at a very slow speed. The sudden stop caused by the collision typically causes your head to snap violently forward and back, causing damage to muscles, ligaments, nerves, and tendons in your neck. Whiplash can also injure your vertebrae and discs.
Don’t Be Fooled If You Feel Okay After a Car Accident!
In the immediate aftermath of an automobile collision, you may feel fine, with no restriction on your mobility or range of motion. In most instances, that’s because you’re experiencing a combination of shock and adrenaline. In addition, some of the discomfort associated with whiplash stems from inflammation, which may take hours or days to fully develop.
If you have an impact with another car or stationary object while riding in a car, you need to assume that you’ve suffered some level of whiplash and respond appropriately. Don’t engage in activities that put stress on your neck or shoulders—that might make the situation worse.
How Long Will You Experience Pain from a Whiplash Injury?
While the length of your recovery period depends, to some extent, on the severity of your injury, you can expect that you’ll have stiffness, soreness, and some inflammation for a few months. Most people who suffer from whiplash fully recover within six months or so. If symptoms last longer than that, you may have what is known as “chronic whiplash,” which may necessitate additional care. Unfortunately, about one in three people who suffer whiplash still experience some pain or restricted movement 10 years later.
Accident Centers of Texas—We Work Hard to Help You Recover from Whiplash
At Accident Centers of Texas, we use our considerable experience, knowledge, and skill to help our patients reestablish full health after any injury or illness. Appointments are available at eight convenient locations in Texas, including Dallas, Pleasant Grove, Oak Cliff, Fort Worth, Arlington, Irving, Garland, and Frisco. As a general rule, we can see you the same day that you call. Based on the nature and severity of your injury, you may be treated by a nurse practitioner and/or a chiropractor.
Appointments are available Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., Fridays 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., and Saturdays 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. If you are unable to drive or don’t have transportation, we can arrange to pick you up and get you back home. To set up a visit, call us at (214) 974-4041 or contact our offices online.
