Whiplash refers to a range of accidents that occur when the neck is subjected to sudden distortion. Most commonly associated with motor vehicle accidents, symptoms of whiplash include:
- Pain in the neck, shoulders and back
- Sensory abnormalities such as pins and needles
- Headaches
Recovery time can vary depending on the severity of the injury.
Motor Accident Legal Service is familiar with cases involving whiplash, as this is one of the injuries most commonly associated with compensation claims relating to car crashes. We’ve compiled the information regarding this sort of injury if you’re uncertain as to what qualifies as the best courses of treatment and whiplash.
Mechanism of Injury
The medical term for whiplash due to a vehicle accident is ‘cervical acceleration-deceleration’. Medical professionals believe since the head violently snaps forward then back again whiplash pain is usually caused by either a tear or fracture in bones and the ligaments in the throat. Rear end collisions are known for resulting in whiplash injuries, but they can happen in any kind of car accident. The whiplash injury is a lot more likely to be severe, requiring ongoing attention, if the collision occurs at high speed.
Treatment for Neck Injuries
From pain killers to physiotherapy, whiplash injuries can be treated in a variety of different ways. Depending on how much discomfort there is a person in following the car accident, a brace may be placed around their neck in order to stop the muscles and bones from sustaining further damage. While over-the-counter painkillers can be used to reduce pain, after being diagnosed with whiplash by a doctor, the patient will usually be instructed to ice their throat. Stronger drugs may be prescribed. In addition to these treatments, chiropractic care or physical therapy may help to reduce any pain, while other treatments include spinal injections and acupuncture.
Recovery Time for Whiplash
When the symptoms of whiplash have not subsided within 6 weeks of the accident, it could be because of condition known as whiplash syndrome, which may lead to long-term pain and distress. Although it may be prevented with early intervention, the most severe cases of whiplash result in this condition. Sometimes, though, in spite of care that is sufficient, severe cases may take years to heal.
Costs of Injury
Whiplash injuries can be extremely expensive to treat, particularly in cases where continuing medical care is necessary. Along with a costly rehabilitation invoice, sustaining a whiplash injury may also prevent you. In case you or anyone you know has sustained whiplash and cannot work as a direct result of the injury, contact us today and we may be able to help you recover.
Sustaining a whiplash injury can be a painful and costly experience, but your situation may be improved by seeking legal advice. For more information on Motor Accident Legal Service can assist you with securing compensation please contact us today.
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic and spinal injuries and conditions. To discuss options on the subject matter, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
By Dr. Alex Jimenez
Additional Topics: Automobile Accident Injuries
Whiplash, among other automobile accident injuries, are frequently reported by victims of an auto collision, regardless of the severity and grade of the accident. The sheer force of an impact can cause damage or injury to the cervical spine, as well as to the rest of the spine. Whiplash is generally the result of an abrupt, back-and-forth jolt of the head and neck in any direction. Fortunately, a variety of treatments are available to treat automobile accident injuries.
