Soft tissue injuries may seem mild and less concerning than visible wounds, but they can be equally dangerous if left untreated. These types of injuries are typically the result of a car accident or perhaps a slip and fall incident. Unfortunately, because these injuries are not as apparent as open gashes or broken bones, they are often overlooked and left to worsen gradually.
A soft tissue injury is any type of physical damage that does not involve the bones. So, this may include any harm inflicted on the structures that support the bones, such as ligaments, muscles, or tendons. These injuries may seem less threatening, but they can be just as damaging and should never be ignored.
Common types of soft tissue injuries may include:
- Ligament sprains
- Muscle or tendon strains
- Contusions
What is Whiplash?
While soft tissue injuries can occur anywhere, neck injuries, especially whiplash, are the most common. Car crashes are one of the biggest causes of whiplash because a sudden impact from either the front or the back can make the head and neck whip backward and forward, thus resulting in a whiplash injury. Whiplash is a very dangerous health issue and can result in serious head or spinal injuries, even if there was no actual impact to the head or visible harm. The symptoms of whiplash include neck stiffness, tingling in the shoulders, jaw pain, and a headache. In very severe cases, whiplash may lead to nausea, vertigo, or vomiting. In some instances, whiplash may cause injuries to the brain.