Whiplash: More than just a sore neck

What is whiplash associated disorder (WAD)?

WAD refers to the range of symptoms that can develop after a sudden and forceful movement of the neck. The impact can overstretch the soft tissues,คาสิโนออนไลน์ UFABET ฝากถอนรวดเร็ว เริ่มต้นเล่นง่าย causing pain, stiffness, and other discomforts that may last for weeks or even months.

There are 2 types of WAD:

• Acute WAD – Most cases fall into this category and usually resolve fully with time and proper care.
• Chronic WAD – In some cases, symptoms persist for the long term and may lead to ongoing pain or limited mobility.

How do I know if I have WAD?

WAD symptoms can vary from mild to severe, and they don’t always appear immediately. Some people feel fine right after the accident but start noticing discomfort hours or even days later. Common symptoms include:

• Neck pain and stiffness
• Headaches, often starting at the base of the skull
• Shoulder, arm, or back pain
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Numbness or tingling in the arms
• Fatigue or feeling unusually tired
• Difficulty concentrating or memory issues
• Blurry vision or other visual disturbances

If you’ve recently had an accident or injury and are experiencing these symptoms, it’s best to seek medical advice to rule out more serious conditions.

Not all whiplash is the same

Doctors classify WAD into different grades, depending on the severity of symptoms:

• Grade 0 – No symptoms.
• Grade 1 – Mild neck pain or stiffness without limitation in movement.
• Grade 2 – Pain with muscle-related symptoms, such as tenderness or limited movement.
• Grade 3 – Pain along with nerve-related symptoms, such as weakness, tingling, or reduced reflexes.
• Grade 4 – The most severe form, involving fractures or dislocations.

Who is more likely to develop long-term WAD symptoms?

Most people recover from WAD without complications, but certain factors increase the risk of long-term symptoms:

Severity of the impact

More forceful collisions or accidents may cause more severe injuries, leading to prolonged recovery.

Pre-existing neck pain or injuries

If you already have neck issues, WAD may take longer to recover and symptoms may persist.

Being female

Research suggests women may be more prone to WAD due to differences in neck muscle strength and ligament flexibility.

Younger age

While younger individuals may recover faster from minor injuries, they are also more likely to delay seeking treatment or ignore early symptoms, increasing the risk of long-term pain.