Why Whiplash Symptoms are Often Delayed Post Accident

Whiplash happens when your neck moves so rapidly to and fro, it’s almost like cracking a whip — thus, the injury’s name. And while the neck injury can cause a range of bothersome symptoms, you might not notice any at first. 

Dr. Nicholas Perenich and his team at Spine Institute of Florida in Dade City and Spring Hill specialize in treating painful neck conditions, including whiplash, to bring you lasting relief.

Here’s a closer look at whiplash, including reasons behind delayed symptoms.

Common whiplash symptoms

Also known as a neck sprain or strain, whiplash commonly causes neck pain and stiffness that may be most noticeable when you try to move your neck or head.

Whiplash may also cause:

• Arm, shoulder, or upper back tenderness
• Arm or hand numbness
• Blurry vision
• Depressed or irritable moods
• Difficulty concentrating
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Headaches, starting at the base of your skull
• Poor memory
• Ringing in your ears (tinnitus)
• Sleep challenges

Whiplash symptom severity depends on the grade of your injury, which ranges from 1-4. While grade 1 whiplash only causes pain, grade 4 causes severe pain and neurological problems. Grades 2 and 3 fall somewhere in between.

Delayed whiplash symptoms after an accident

Whiplash is especially likely after an auto accident, such as rear-end impacts. Once the accident happens, your symptoms might not appear for 24 hours or more. Whiplash may even stay asymptomatic for several days.

Car accidents prompt an adrenaline rush in your body, as a result of the “flight or fight” response to the sudden stress. As an important hormone, adrenaline allows you to stay alert and responsive during traumatic happenings. But it can also temporarily mask your symptoms by blocking pain sensations.

Another reason behind whiplash symptom delay involves inflammation. Whiplash damages soft tissues in your neck. So unlike a bone fracture, which happens in a moment, your whiplash injury may develop gradually as the swelling increases.

What to do about whiplash

If you’ve been in an accident that jolted your neck, a medical evaluation can help ensure that any whiplash symptoms are minimized. Seek care sooner rather than later, particularly if you notice issues such as pain, stiffness, vision changes, or neurological symptoms. 

We generally recommend scheduling a consultation with one of our orthopedic spine surgeons within a week if conservative measures — like rest, over-the-counter pain medication, and ice therapy — fail to help. (Regardless, cold compresses should only be used for 7-10 days.)

Untreated whiplash can fuel complications, such as degenerative disc disease and chronic pain. Whiplash can also cause disc herniation, which may need treatment of its own. 

Whiplash treatments we may recommend include:

• A neck or back brace
• Epidural or facet joint injections
• Radiofrequency ablation

We might also recommend a series of neck movements and stretches to help restore a normal range of motion once you’re ready.

To learn more about whiplash symptoms or get the care you need, call Spine Institute of Florida or schedule an appointment through our website today.