Two common effects of a car accident are whiplash and back injury.

Whiplash refers to an injury to the neck caused by the neck bending forcibly forward and then backward, or vice versa. The injury usually involves the muscles, discs, nerves, and tendons in the neck.

Back injuries, on the other hand, can result from sports injuries, work around the house or in the garden, or a sudden jolt such as a car accident. The lower back is the most common site of back injuries and back pain. Common back injuries include sprains and strains, herniated disks, fracture vertebrae. More severe back injuries can lead to paralysis.

Whiplash and back injuries in car accidents are usually caused by a rear-end car collision. But the same injuries can be incurred in rollercoaster rides and the shaken baby syndrome can also result to a whiplash injury.

If you have been involved in a car accident, you may have a whiplash or back injury if you experience the following symptoms:

• Pain and aching in the neck and back

• Pain in the shoulders

• Sensory disturbance (such as pins and needles) to the arms & legs

• Headaches

• Pain in one or both arms

• Fatigue

• Dizziness

• Vision problems

• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)

Symptoms can appear directly after the injury, but there are some that are not felt until days afterwards. Even without symptoms, it is a very good idea to see a doctor in the case of a car accident. There can be damage without symptoms, or there can be delayed symptoms.

The consequences of whiplash and back injury can range from mild pain for a few days to severe disability caused by restricted head movement or of the cervical spine.

The good news is, whiplash and back injuries can be minimized if not altogether prevented. Here are some tips on how to deal with and avoid the hassle of whiplash and back injuries in car accidents.

1. Do not take any alcohol or substances that will impair your judgment as a driver. Prevention is the best cure, especially when avoiding car-related injuries.

2. Avoid speeding. It’s much harder to stop your vehicle and more likely to be involved in a rear-end collision.

3. When driving, make sure that your headrest should be no more than 6 cm, or about 2.5 inches away from the back of your head. This would keep soft tissue from being injured in the event of a rear-end collision.

4. When involved in a car accident, make sure to get proper medical attention. Even if you don’t have any external signs of injury, some symptoms are delayed.

5. In the first 24 hours after the injury, an ice bag applied to the neck will help to relieve inflammation.