Suffering from whiplash is a common result of a car accident, especially those involving rear-end collisions. Although often taken lightly, this type of neck injury can have a significant impact on yours and your families lives. Read on to learn more about the most common causes, symptoms and treatment available for whiplash.
What Does Whiplash Look Like?
A neck whiplash injury occurs when the head is suddenly jerked back and forth, or “whipped” back and forth like a whip. The sudden motion can cause the tendons in the neck to stretch and tear, resulting in serious pain and suffering that can last for a very long time. The most common cause of whiplash is from rear-end collision car crashes. When a vehicle is hit from behind, those in the vehicle may be violently whipped forward and backwards, or jerked, causing whiplash. Whiplash doesn’t require a major accident, though, as even at low-speeds a crash can seriously damage neck muscles.
Common Symptoms of Whiplash
The symptoms of whiplash can be quite different from one person to the next, and can appear instantly or not appear for weeks. However, the most common symptoms include:
- Neck pain
- Neck stiffness
- Headaches – especially at the base of the skull
- Dizziness and Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Ringing in the ears
- Difficulties with concentration and memory
Diagnosing and Treating Whiplash
Your primary care doctor will be able to diagnose whiplash through physical examination and imaging tests, like X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs. Your doctor will also use these tests to rule out other serious injuries like fractures or soft tissue damage. The symptoms of whiplash may be delayed, so we believe it’s always wise to seek medical attention after a car crash, especially if you were involved in a rear-end collision.
Treatment for whiplash can vary based on the severity of the injury, but in most cases, a doctor will likely recommend the following:
- Rest and to avoid any movements that might worsen your neck or back pain.
- Use pain relievers to alleviate mild to moderate neck pain.
- Use heat or cold packs on your neck to relieve pain and stiffness.
- Maintain good posture and take regular breaks to stretch your back and neck areas.
- If you have severe pain, your doctor might prescribe more potent painkillers or other medications to ease your neck pain or muscle spasms. Your doctor may also refer you to a physical therapist who will help provide exercises to strengthen and stretch the neck muscles, improve your flexibility and provide for a greater range of motion.
- Treatments such as massage therapy, ultrasound therapy, or electrical stimulation may also help with your recovery and can be arranged by your doctor. Some people may also feel relief through chiropractic treatments or by visiting an osteopath.
Recovering from your Whiplash Injury
Your recovery time from whiplash depends on several different criteria. Many people will start to feel better within a few weeks, while others may experience pain or other symptoms for several months or even years. Occasionally, whiplash can even lead to chronic neck pain and other long-term health issues. In some cases, it may even result in a permanent disability.
How to Prevent Whiplash
To prevent whiplash injuries, try to remember to:
- Wear your seatbelt
- Adjust your seat’s headrest to a proper height
- Sit with good posture
- Drive safely and try to maintain a safe distance between your vehicle and cars in front of and behind you.
Kramer Law Offices: Fighting For Our Clients and Their Families
No matter how careful you are, injuries such as whiplash can still happen. If you are hurt in a car accident, Kramer Law will help you pursue fair compensation.
If you have been injured in a car accident, do not hesitate to be in touch.
Our team has built a reputation for compassionate and fierce advocacy on behalf of our clients. If you or someone you know has been the victim of someone else’s poor driving, you can reach Kramer Law by calling 802-257-2221 or using our quick and easy contact form. We are also conveniently located in downtown Brattleboro at 42 Park Place if you would prefer to stop by.
As our client, we will take care of all of the legal, privacy and insurance related issues surrounding your case so that you are able to recover and work towards a brighter and better future.
Kramer Law is a Southern Vermont law firm with a 30-year legacy of helping injury victims get the compensation they deserve. By choosing us for your legal representation, you will get the full benefit of:
- Ample experience and knowledge accumulated over 30 years
- A track record of hundreds of successful cases
- Demonstrated expertise in both settlement negotiation and trial advocacy
- A wealth of legal resources at your disposal
- A dedicated team of skilled attorneys, legal assistants, and expert witnesses
Best of all, many our services are provided on a contingency fee basis. That means you won’t owe us a thing unless we win your case and get you the compensation you’re looking for.
