Whiplash Injuries – Discover The 9 Most Useful Things To Know

Updated 9/13/20 – Published by: Igor Shapiro

Even seemingly innocuous accidents can result in catastrophic injuries, with symptoms that may not reveal themselves for several days or even weeks. Particularly dangerous are whiplash injuries, which occur when a person’s head is violently jerked backward and forward with great force. This type of injury is most frequently sustained in a rear-end collision. Physical abuse, sporting injuries, and amusement park rides are all possible causes of this condition. Whiplash happens when the soft tissues of your neck (muscles and ligaments) are forced to move beyond their normal range of movement. A car collision is one of the most prevalent types of accidents that can occur while the damage may not be immediately apparent, the repercussions may impact your health and well-being both now and in the future, depending on the circumstances.

Common Causes Of Whiplash Injuries

Whiplash injuries may occur if the head is moved violently away from the body because of a sudden and powerful jerk or jolt. The injury is often worse because the muscles pull the head back into position too hard to compensate for the sudden movement, causing another overstretching in the opposite direction.

The following are examples of other types of accidents that might result in whiplash:

Motorcycle accidents
Bicycle and pedestrian accidents
Slip and fall accidents
Recreational or sports-related accident
Accidents involving being struck by or against an object,

When you suffer any type of accident injury, regardless of how minor it may appear, it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately and follow all your doctor’s instructions. Failing to promptly and adequately address whiplash injuries can have severe and potentially permanent impacts on your health.

Symptoms of Whiplash Injuries

Whiplash symptoms might emerge from 24 hours to many days after the first trauma. Patients who have had whiplash, on the other hand, may experience one or more of the following symptoms, which typically appear within the first few days following the injury:

Stiffness and discomfort in the neck
Headaches
Pain in the shoulder blades or the space between the shoulders
Back pain is a common occurrence.
Numbness or discomfort in the arm or hand
Dizziness
Having trouble concentrating or remembering things
Irritability, sleep issues, and tiredness are all symptoms of depression.

Another set of more minor typical symptoms that you might experience due to a whiplash injury is memory and concentration problems, sleep disruptions, and mood disorders such as depression or increased irritability. You must get medical attention as soon as possible if you have sustained this type of injury to rule out illnesses such as bone fractures, disc or vertebral damage, and muscle rips from taking hold.

Treatments and Potential Complications of Whiplash Injuries

Several clinics urge that your doctor measure your neck’s range of motion along with the strength, sensation, and reflexes in your arms and shoulders, among other things. The doctor will examine the patient and ask about any recent accidents, sporting events, falls, or head knocks that the patient may have sustained.

X-rays. Broken bones and other disorders such as a spinal fracture, arthritis, or dislocations can be ruled out using this procedure.

CT (Computerized tomography) Scan. Several x-ray images are acquired from various angles in this procedure, resulting in a more detailed depiction of the bone and soft tissues on a computer monitor.

MRI (magnetic resonance imagine) Scan. A powerful magnetic field and radio waves create a detailed picture of the affected area, which is revealed gradually. The doctor will be able to detect soft tissue damage if they occur.

After your doctor has evaluated your illness, they will recommend a course of treatment. It frequently entails a period of rest to let the muscles and tendons heal and, as well as the use of both prescribed and over-the-counter pain relievers and muscle relaxers. Treatment focuses on reducing pain and stiffness and mending muscle, ligament, and tendon injury. Whiplash symptoms may be relieved by the following some of these treatments:

Ice Pack. It is beneficial to apply an ice pack as soon as possible after an injury or as soon as possible after an injury to reduce swelling and pain. Do not directly apply ice to the skin; instead, wrap it in a towel or other protective material and leave it on for 10 to 30 minutes before removing it.

Exercise. Patients should make every effort to move their necks normally, but only under the direction of a qualified healthcare professional. Move the neck slowly in each direction, gradually increasing the range of motion.

Posture. A healthcare professional who has received specialized training can teach the patient how to stand up straight. A firm pillow might assist you in maintaining appropriate posture while you are sleeping. Consult with a therapist for help with posture training and pain-relief measures.

Medications for pain. Painkillers, such as Tylenol, may be beneficial in treating whiplash injury pain. In some cases, doctors may advise patients to use pain killers regularly rather than only when experiencing severe discomfort.

Physical therapy. A physical therapist might use massage and manipulation and recommend neck exercises. They might also use ice, heat, electrical stimulation, or ultrasound to reduce pain.

With any soft tissue injury, there is always the possibility of re-injury, and whiplash injuries can result in chronic pain in the neck, shoulder, and arms, as well as irreversible limits. In some cases, whiplash-related difficulties may make it impossible for you to continue working in your profession or professional sector, as well as to participate in hobbies and social activities that you previously liked.

Whiplash Injuries: Possible Complications

Only a tiny percentage of the population suffers from chronic (long-term) pain, which can endure for six months or longer. Long-term pain may make it difficult for the patient to participate in some activities and carry out many of their everyday tasks. In some cases, chronic pain can be traced back to injury to the body’s joints, discs, or ligaments. Patients experiencing severe stiffness and pain should refrain from driving until they can turn their heads quickly and painlessly for a small number of patients. Despite extensive investigation, the source of long-term suffering is never identified.

Our Whiplash Injury Attorneys Can Help

If you or someone close to you has experienced whiplash injuries due to the incident, you should contact Law of Igor Shapiro as soon as possible. Our experienced personal injury attorneys can advise you on the best course of action to take to receive compensation for your injuries, whether through an insurance claim or by filing a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible party. Whiplash injuries can have major ramifications for your health as well as your financial security, and you should consult with an experienced legal representative to ensure that your rights and interests are adequately represented and protected.

As part of the Law Office of Igor A. Shapiro, we fight back and battle to obtain you the best settlement possible and get you the maximum compensation for your pain & suffering. Just a few clicks on our website or a quick phone call and you can get this done for you process started. Contact us today 425-264-2000