Whiplash is a neck injury caused by a sudden, forceful movement of the neck back and forth, such as the crack of a whip. Symptoms of whiplash may appear within 24 hours of the initial trauma, but they can also linger for several months. This is because the body's reaction to a traumatic event can mask symptoms. Delayed whiplash syndrome is a condition commonly seen after car accidents.
It is defined as a group of symptoms and disabilities that occur more than six months after a neck injury in a car accident. A study of 300 cases found that the syndrome is comprised of headache, neck pain, stiff neck, depression, anxiety, and poor correlation with physical or radiological abnormalities. It is more common in women, particularly those aged 21-40. Social variables may also be relevant in the production of the syndrome.
Treatment options such as chiropractic care can help you recover from a delayed whiplash injury. Most people with whiplash get better within a few weeks if they follow a treatment plan that includes pain medications and exercise. However, it's not uncommon for people to have trouble sleeping during the healing process.
