Whiplash is one of the most common neck injuries, but many people don’t
realize that they have it. While most cases of whiplash are relatively
mild with injuries eventually healing on their own, moderate and severe
cases will typically require treatment from a qualified medical professional.
Because more serious cases can result in various complications, including
chronic pain, it’s important that you are able to recognize the
signs of whiplash and seek appropriate treatment when needed.
Continue reading to learn more about whiplash symptoms, causes, and available
treatments. We also encourage you to reach out to the New Orleans personal
injury lawyers at The Womac Law Firm if you sustained whiplash or other
injuries in a
car accident,
slip and fall,
pedestrian accident, or other incident. We are happy to discuss your case with you during
a free initial consultation.
What Is Whiplash?
According to the Mayo Clinic, whiplash is a type of neck injury that occurs as a result of rapid forward-backward
motion of the head, neck, and spine. Also known as a neck strain, whiplash
involves the damaging of muscles and tendons in the neck. This is not
to be confused with a neck sprain, which involves damage to the actual
ligaments that connect the neck muscles to one another.
While it is often a painful injury, whiplash doesn’t typically lead
to life-threatening complications. That being said, if pain does not go
away on its own or if neck pain worsens over time, it is important that
you see a doctor because untreated whiplash can lead to a number of health
issues. These may include reduced range of motion, chronic pain, and severe
pain that radiates out to the arms.
Whiplash Symptoms
The most common sign of whiplash is neck pain and stiffness following an
incident such as a car crash or fall.
Other symptoms of whiplash include:
- Neck pain that does not go away or worsens;
- Worsened pain when moving the neck;
- Headaches beginning near the base of the skull;
- Reduced or lost range of motion;
- Pain and soreness in the neck, shoulders, upper back, and/or arms
- Dizziness and fatigue;
- Numbness/tingling sensation in the arms;
- New sleep problems;
- Ringing in the ears;
- Blurred vision;
- Trouble concentrating/remembering; and
- Behavioral changes.
If you notice any of these symptoms, no matter how mild they may seem,
make sure that you are examined by a competent medical professional. While
whiplash can sometimes be effectively treated at home with rest and over-the-counter
pain medication, more severe cases will require more extensive treatment.
What Are the Common Causes of Whiplash?
Car accidents are one of the leading causes of whiplash, particularly rear-end
collisions. However, any accident or incident that results in the traumatic,
violent back-and-forth motion of the head/neck can lead to whiplash.
Some of the common causes of whiplash include:
- Car accidents,
- Slip and falls,
- Sports accidents,
- Bicycle accidents,
- Pedestrian accidents,
- Blows to the head caused by falling objects,
- Falls from heights, and
- Violent acts.
If you were involved in a car accident or slipped and hit your head and
are now experiencing neck pain, it is possible that you have suffered
whiplash. Schedule an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible;
then contact our attorneys to learn more about your potential right to
financial recovery.
Treatments for Whiplash
If your whiplash injuries are relatively mild, your doctor will likely
advise you to follow an at-home treatment program. This will most likely
consist of icing your neck to reduce swelling and help with the pain,
wearing a neck brace (if needed), and taking over-the-counter or prescription
pain killers.
If you have suffered moderate to severe whiplash, you may require additional
medical care. This could include things like physical therapy, injections,
chiropractic massage, massage therapy, acupuncture, or radiofrequency
neurotomy which is used to target specific nerves in treating/managing pain.
Filing a Personal Injury Claim
If you suffered whiplash as a result of an accident or incident caused
by another person or party’s negligence, you may be entitled to
financial compensation for your damages. This includes things like your
medical expenses—including pain medications, neck braces, doctor’s
visits, and all other medical costs—and your lost wages while you
are unable to work. You may also be entitled to receive compensation for
your pain and suffering.
At The Womac Law Firm, our attorneys can assist you with your personal
injury claim. If you or someone you love suffered whiplash in a traumatic
accident that resulted from someone else’s negligence, please
contact us today to learn how we can help.