Understanding Whiplash: Its Causes and Effects
If you have been in a car accident that involves being rear-ended, you may have suffered a neck injury commonly referred to as "whiplash.
" While rear-impact accidents are the most common cause of whiplash, whiplash may also be caused from violent shaking, being punched or from violent physical contact in sports such as football.
In the case of a rear-end collision, the impact causes the head and neck to snap backwards into a hyperextended position as the seat pushes the body forward.
This abrupt forward motion causes the unrestrained head and neck to snap backwards.
After a brief delay, the head and neck catch up and snap forward into a hyperflexed position.
This abrupt backward and forward motion strains your neck muscles and ligaments as they are pushed beyond their normal range of motion.
Many people, including insurance adjusters, believe whiplash is a relatively minor injury.
And it is true that in some instances the pain can be treated with over-the-counter pain medicine and ice on the painful muscles.
After a few weeks of this simple treatment, the pain will sometimes disappear.
If the initial treatment does not alleviate the pain, prescription medication and physical therapy may be prescribed.
Unfortunately, in some cases, people this more aggressive treatment does not work and you may suffer chronic neck pain.
The symptoms for whiplash typically develop quickly after the accident.
Within 24 hours, you may experience headaches, neck pain, neck stiffness, dizziness, fatigue and/or blurred vision.
While it is a good idea to schedule an appointment with your doctor after a rear-end accident or any other incident where you suspect whiplash may have occurred, you should immediately see your doctor if you develop numbness or tingling in your arms, neck pain that spreads to your shoulders and arms, or pain when moving your head.
By failing to properly treat your whiplash, you are leaving yourself open to chronic psycho-social symptoms such as depression and anxiety.
Whiplash can also lead to a prolonged period of partial disability and that can have severe economic consequences, including medical care, disability, and sick leave.
If you fear you may have suffered whiplash, be sure to consult your physician to evaluate your condition.
And if your whiplash was caused through the actions of another person, you should contact a qualified personal injury attorney to ensure you receive proper compensation for the extent of the injuries you have suffered.
" While rear-impact accidents are the most common cause of whiplash, whiplash may also be caused from violent shaking, being punched or from violent physical contact in sports such as football.
In the case of a rear-end collision, the impact causes the head and neck to snap backwards into a hyperextended position as the seat pushes the body forward.
This abrupt forward motion causes the unrestrained head and neck to snap backwards.
After a brief delay, the head and neck catch up and snap forward into a hyperflexed position.
This abrupt backward and forward motion strains your neck muscles and ligaments as they are pushed beyond their normal range of motion.
Many people, including insurance adjusters, believe whiplash is a relatively minor injury.
And it is true that in some instances the pain can be treated with over-the-counter pain medicine and ice on the painful muscles.
After a few weeks of this simple treatment, the pain will sometimes disappear.
If the initial treatment does not alleviate the pain, prescription medication and physical therapy may be prescribed.
Unfortunately, in some cases, people this more aggressive treatment does not work and you may suffer chronic neck pain.
The symptoms for whiplash typically develop quickly after the accident.
Within 24 hours, you may experience headaches, neck pain, neck stiffness, dizziness, fatigue and/or blurred vision.
While it is a good idea to schedule an appointment with your doctor after a rear-end accident or any other incident where you suspect whiplash may have occurred, you should immediately see your doctor if you develop numbness or tingling in your arms, neck pain that spreads to your shoulders and arms, or pain when moving your head.
By failing to properly treat your whiplash, you are leaving yourself open to chronic psycho-social symptoms such as depression and anxiety.
Whiplash can also lead to a prolonged period of partial disability and that can have severe economic consequences, including medical care, disability, and sick leave.
If you fear you may have suffered whiplash, be sure to consult your physician to evaluate your condition.
And if your whiplash was caused through the actions of another person, you should contact a qualified personal injury attorney to ensure you receive proper compensation for the extent of the injuries you have suffered.
