Out of the injuries that are likely to happen when you drive for work, whiplash is one of the most common with auto accidents. Whiplash happens when your neck is strained due to the force of the crash. Your head may move side to side rapidly, tearing or straining ligaments.
If you develop whiplash, you may be surprised to know that it won’t always appear right away. Within two to three days, though, you’ll have symptoms if you’re going to get them. They include symptoms such as:
- Neck pain
- Stiffness in the neck
- Blurred vision
- Tinnitus
- Irritability
- Depression
- Pain or tenderness in the shoulder, upper arms or back
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Numbness in the arms
- Tingling in the arms
- Worsening of pain with movement
- And many others
This delayed reaction is why you should always go to the hospital following an accident. Your employer may also ask you to do so for the purposes of workers’ compensation.
As whiplash develops, the strain causes the body to stiffen due to inflammation. It’s important to see a doctor quickly if you develop these symptoms, since early treatment can reduce the length of time it takes to recover.
Most people with whiplash are able to recover within a few weeks, but others may have pain for months or years. You may need to take muscle relaxants, pain relievers or go through physical therapy to help reduce the symptoms of whiplash. If someone else hits you while you’re working or driving to a job site on the clock, you may be able to seek workers’ compensation for this condition.