Whiplash is a neck injury caused by sudden head movement, and it is one of the most common and worst soft tissue injuries suffered by car accident survivors. Symptoms of whiplash, such as neck pain and stiffness, usually begin to improve a few days to a week after the injury. Most people recover completely within a month, but the healing process will vary from person to person depending on the severity of the injury and personal characteristics, such as age, mental health, and occupation. In general and with treatment, mild cases of whiplash will last about one month on average.
Moderate cases of whiplash can last up to six months. Severe cases of whiplash may last for one year or considered semi-permanent because they won't completely go away until appropriate treatments are given. The symptoms of whiplash that last the longest are usually migraines and apparently random neck aches. So what can be done to give you the best possible chance of a full recovery as soon as possible? Very few people have long-term complications from whiplash. The recovery time usually ranges from a few days to several weeks.
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, most people recover completely within 3 months. Because whiplash has very few external symptoms (only redness and swelling in some cases), an insurance company is more likely to reject or challenge a whiplash injury claim. The key to a successful recovery is to seek medical attention as soon as possible after the injury. Early diagnosis and treatment can help reduce pain and speed up recovery time. Your doctor may recommend physical therapy, medications, or other treatments to help reduce pain and inflammation. It's also important to rest and avoid activities that could aggravate your symptoms. Remember that everyone heals at their own pace, so it's important to be patient with yourself during the recovery process.
With proper treatment and care, most people can make a full recovery from whiplash in a few weeks or months.
