If you’ve ever been in a car accident, you may have heard the word whiplash. It’s a common injury, especially after a rear-end collision, and it can be a real pain—literally. Whiplash is more than just a stiff neck; it’s a medical condition that affects the soft tissues in your neck, and it can cause long-lasting problems if not treated correctly.
This resource article will explain what whiplash is, how it occurs, the signs to look for, and the typical treatments. Remember, if you’ve been hurt in an accident, getting proper medical care is critical.
Whiplash is a neck injury caused by a forceful, rapid back-and-forth movement of the neck, much like the cracking of a whip. This sudden motion stresses the muscles, ligaments, and tendons in the neck.
To understand whiplash, it helps to know a little about your neck. Your neck is made up of seven small bones called cervical vertebrae.
These bones are supported by strong bands of tissue that include:
When you experience whiplash, these soft tissues in your neck are stretched and torn. Doctors also refer to whiplash as a neck strain or sprain, depending on which tissues are damaged. It is important to know that whiplash can be a serious injury, even if you don’t see any cuts or broken bones.
Whiplash can happen anytime your head is suddenly thrown in one direction and then snapped back quickly. While this can happen during a slip and fall or a sports injury, car accidents are by far the most common cause, and more specifically, rear-end crashes.
Here is what happens to your body in just a fraction of a second during a rear-end collision:
Even a slow-speed fender-bender can cause whiplash. The sudden force causes the soft tissues to overstretch, resulting in pain and limited mobility.
Sometimes, you may not feel pain right away after an accident. It can take hours or even a few days for the symptoms of whiplash to appear. This delay is why it’s so important to see a doctor immediately after any accident, even if you feel fine at the time. The most common signs of whiplash are focused on the neck, but symptoms can spread to other areas.
Here are some of the signs and symptoms people with whiplash report:
In addition to physical pain, whiplash can also cause problems with how you think and feel. Some people may also experience blurred vision, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), trouble sleeping, irritability or mood changes, or difficulty concentrating or memory problems.
If you notice any of these symptoms after an accident, you should talk to a doctor right away. Diagnosing whiplash typically involves a physical examination and, in some cases, imaging tests such as X-rays or MRIs to rule out other, more serious injuries.
The good news is that most cases of whiplash improve within a few weeks to a few months. The goal of treatment is to control pain, restore the normal range of motion in your neck, and help you return to your usual activities.
Doctors often recommend a combination of various treatments. The initial treatment usually focuses on reducing pain and swelling.
Treatment for whiplash generally includes a few main steps, such as:
After the initial pain has lessened, your doctor will likely recommend physical therapy. A physical therapist will teach you gentle exercises to stretch and strengthen the muscles in your neck and shoulders. These exercises are crucial for restoring movement and preventing long-term stiffness.
For some people, pain may last for many months or even years. This is sometimes called chronic whiplash. If you have chronic whiplash, your doctor may suggest other treatments, such as trigger point injections or seeing a pain management specialist.
Dealing with a whiplash injury, medical bills, and lost wages can be overwhelming, especially when you are recovering from an accident that was not your fault. When someone else’s carelessness causes you to suffer an injury, you have the right to seek compensation for your medical costs, pain and suffering, and other losses.
Only a lawyer can give you legal advice based on the facts of your situation. If you have legal questions about a whiplash injury or any car accident, contact our Sauk County personal injury lawyers at Eisenberg Law Offices, S.C., or call us at (608) 256-8356 for a free consultation.
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