Car Accident Whiplash Injury

Whiplash occurs when a person’s neck is whipped backward and then forward (or vice versa) very quickly and unexpectedly. Whiplash is the most common car accident injury following a rear-end collision. Symptoms of whiplash may not be immediately apparent, so it is important to pay attention to any physical changes you may feel for a few days after a car accident. Here we’ll give you more information about what to watch out for if you've sustained a whiplash injury in a car accident.

Whiplash happens when the muscles and ligaments of the neck are extended beyond their typical range of motion. Symptoms of whiplash usually appear within 24 hours following the incident that caused the injury, but in some cases, symptoms may develop after a few days and can last several weeks. The most common symptoms of whiplash include:

• Neck pain and stiffness
• Tingling in the arms
• Pain or tenderness in the shoulder and upper back area
• Headaches (especially at the base of the skull)
• Blurred vision
• Dizziness
• Constant fatigue

Symptoms associated with long-term, chronic whiplash include:

• Ringing in the ears
• Difficulty sleeping
• Irritability
• Problems with concentration and memory
• Depression

Whiplash is generally viewed as a relatively mild condition; however, it can cause long-term pain and discomfort. You should seek medical treatment immediately if your symptoms spread to your shoulders or arms, if moving your head is painful, or if you have numbness or weakness in your arms. These symptoms could be signs of a more serious damage to the spinal cord.  Older adults are generally more susceptible to complications of whiplash.  

If you are experiencing symptoms of whiplash, you should see a doctor to document your condition. He or she will ask you questions about the pain you are feeling, and likely do a physical examination to check your range of motion and look for areas of tenderness. Other tests, such as CT scans and MRIs, will allow your doctor to assess any damage or inflammation in the soft tissues, spinal cord, or nerves.

Depending on the severity of your whiplash injury, your doctor may prescribe pain medication and/or muscle relaxants to reduce muscle spasms.  Spinal manipulations or adjustments may be necessary to help restore alignment and prepare you for further treatment.  You may also be given a foam collar to keep your neck stable. Along with medication, physical therapy will likely play an important role in your recovery. For example, you may need to practice neck strengthening and relaxation exercises, as well as exercises to restore the range of motion in your neck. In cases of severe whiplash, trigger point injections may be necessary to treat the injury.  

If you or a loved one has experienced a whiplash injury after a car accident, the legal team at Katz Personal Injury Lawyers can help you recover damages to cover your healthcare costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Please give us a call today at (404)461-0101 to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation.