Whiplash is a neck injury often associated with car accidents (particularly rear end collisions), but it can occur in any situation where the injured individual has no chance to brace for unexpected impact. It is also sometimes referred to as cervical acceleration-deceleration (CAD) syndrome.
Whiplash gets its name from the quick and forceful back and forth movement of the neck that causes the injury; it is similar to the action of cracking a whip. While auto accidents are the most common cause of this neck injury, it can also occur while playing sports, as a result of physical abuse, or in other instances where you are unprepared for impact.
According to the Mayo Clinic, common symptoms may include neck pain, headaches, neck stiffness, dizziness, fatigue, pain in shoulder/upper back/arms, and tingling/numbness in arms. Some other possible symptoms include blurred vison, difficulty concentrating, ringing in the ears, memory problems, and trouble sleeping.
Most individuals who experience whiplash are able to recover within a few months with proper medical treatment. However, some find themselves experiencing chronic neck pain as well as other complications.
If you’ve experienced whiplash, it’s important to seek medical attention right away. Getting treatment soon after the injury can help prevent the pain from worsening. The tricky thing is that whiplash injuries aren’t always immediately apparent, although symptoms typically develop within 24 hours of the injury. If you’ve been rear ended or think you may have experienced whiplash due to another event, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor for guidance.
Whiplash and other neck injuries can make it very difficult for individuals to return to work after an accident. Meanwhile, seeking treatment can lead to extensive medical costs.
If you or a loved one has suffered from whiplash due to a rear end collision or other accident, contact the Schuerman Law office today. Schuerman Law has been working with personal injury claims for over 40 years. John Schuerman will compassionately advocate for injured individuals as well as their families while fighting for full compensation of their claims. Schuerman Law offers evening and weekend appointments in addition to home and hospital visits. Schedule a free consultation today by calling 1-800-274-0045.
