We hear the term so often, but what is whiplash? It has managed to seep its way into the cultural verbiage, but often this means that we have a misunderstanding of something.

According to the Mayo Clinic, “Whiplash is a neck injury due to forceful, rapid back-and-forth movement of the neck, like the cracking of a whip. Whiplash most often occurs during a rear-end auto accident, but the injury can also result from a sports accident, work injury, physical abuse or other trauma.”

Rear end car accidents often result in some level of whiplash and many drivers ignore the symptoms of whiplash and just expect the pain to go away. Here are three signs of whiplash that you should take note of if you’ve been in a car accident.

1. Headaches

If you’re in a car accident, headaches are common and can develop days later. It’s important to note when they begin in case they are a sign of a bigger problem like concussion, brain injury, blood clotting or other potential harmful conditions.

2. Pain or stiffness in your neck, shoulders, or back

If you have whiplash, it is likely that you’ll experience some stiffness or pain. Even an accident at speeds as low as 14 mph can cause whiplash and may require x-rays or an MRI to properly diagnose. Lower back pain occurs in more than half of rear end car accidents.

3. Abdominal pains or swelling

Pain and/or swelling in the abdomen can be the sign that you’re experience some sort of internal bleeding. While you may not experience the symptoms of this injury right away, it’s important to take seriously ant kind of pain or swelling after an accident. Internal bleeding can be life threatening and should be taken seriously.

If you’ve been in a car accident and are experiencing these types of symptoms, contact our office and schedule a consultation soon.