Whiplash Is a Serious and Potentially Debilitating Injury
Whiplash is a common injury in car accidents even where the vehicle or vehicles were travelling just 5 to 10 miles per hour. In these low-impact collisions, Allentown personal injury attorneys note that risk of whiplash is at least 35% and can be much higher. Most whiplash cases are mild, but about 1.5 million Americans suffer from chronic whiplash pain.
What Is Whiplash?
Whiplash is a neck injury involving muscles, tendons, ligaments and other soft tissues. The cause is a sudden and strong movement of the neck in one direction and then a return to its normal position. What happens is that the soft tissues in the neck are overstretched or even sprained. These issues can limit functionality of the neck and cause discomfort and even pain. Pain is not limited to the neck itself. It can extend into the head, shoulders and back.
What Causes Whiplash?
By far, the most common cause of whiplash is car accidents. The second-leading cause is trauma in contact sports. Low-speed rear-end car crashes are the type of car accident where whiplash is most prevalent. Experts suggest that risk in such accidents can be as high as 68%.
How Do You Know If You Have Whiplash?
It is important to note that symptoms often do not manifest suddenly. It can typically take between six and 12 hours to experience symptoms. There can be discomfort or even pain and potentially swelling and bruising. The pain, swelling and bruising can intensify in the days following the accident. You should schedule an appointment with a doctor if you notice any symptoms common to whiplash. You should instead go to an emergency room if any of those symptoms are severe. Those symptoms include:
- Headaches
- Blurred vision
- Ringing in the ears
- Dizziness or vertigo
- Difficulty swallowing
- Difficulty concentrating
- Limited neck movement
- Muscle weakness or spasms
- Numbness in arms, hands or shoulders
- Neck pain, tenderness, stiffness or swelling
Will Whiplash Go Away on Its Own?
Whiplash may go away on its own. In fact, a majority of the symptoms disappear in several days or weeks. However, doctors warn that it is important not to assume that your whiplash is minor. It can be a devastating injury, and whatever damage you have experienced can lead to further deterioration. Therefore, it is important to see a doctor even if your symptoms seem relatively minor. This is particularly important for people who have recently been in an automotive accident or other collision.
How Do You Diagnose and Treat Whiplash?
A doctor will perform a physical examination of your neck. The whiplash injury may be obvious to the doctor, but they may still order an X-ray and/or MRI. This may be necessary to rule out a bone dislocation or fracture. Note that the X-ray or MRI cannot reveal the whiplash itself because it is a soft tissue injury and not a bone injury. Treatment will depend on the severity of the whiplash. In minor cases, doctors will recommend that you remain active, emphasize good posture and use an ice pack when resting. For more severe cases, professional physiotherapy will be necessary.
How Do You Prevent Whiplash?
Modern car design has greatly reduced the prevalence of whiplash injuries. From a safety perspective, you should avoid driving and being a passenger in older vehicles. In all vehicles, wear your seat belt, and adjust your headrest so the top of it is level with the top of your head. When driving, ensure proper posture. Sit upright. Brace your body with your left foot, and adjust the steering wheel so that there is a bend in your arms.
Have You Experienced Whiplash?
If you have suffered from whiplash in a car accident that was caused by another motorist, Metzger & Kleiner would like to help. Our law firm has many years of experience representing clients who have suffered whiplash and getting them the financial compensation they deserve. We recommend a consultation with an Allentown personal injury attorney at no charge and without obligation. To set up that appointment, message us online, or call our Philadelphia office at 215-567-6616 or our Lehigh Valley office at 610-435-7400.
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