What is Whiplash?

Automobile accidents lead to over 2 million injuries each year in the US alone. One of the most common injuries reported following an automobile accident is whiplash.

Understanding Whiplash Injuries

When you are traveling in a car at a given speed and suddenly change speed due to hitting (or being hit by) another car or object, your neck suffers strain because of the rapid movement forward and backward.

As a result, tendons and ligaments in your neck can stretch and tear, leading to a whiplash injury.

Common Causes of Whiplash

While whiplash is a common injury related to automobile accidents, it can also occur as a result of physical abuse, trauma, or even a sports injury.

Visualizing Whiplash Effects

Watch this demonstration from professional spine doctors to understand what whiplash looks like in a car accident and the potential physical effects.

Recognizing Whiplash Symptoms

Symptoms of whiplash can occur immediately or after several days to weeks following an accident. These symptoms include:

1. Pain and tightness in the neck with decreased range of motion.
2. Neck muscles feel stiff or knotted.
3. Pain when moving the head side to side or forward and backward.
4. Tenderness in the neck to touch.
5. Headaches that start at the base of the skull and radiate to the forehead.

Factors Affecting Whiplash Severity

Many factors can affect how severe a whiplash injury is. Factors that worsen the prognosis and severity of the injury include:

1. Age over 65.
2. Women suffer whiplash injuries more frequently than men.
3. Being an occupant in a small car.
4. Being under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident.
5. Having a prior whiplash injury.
6. Having the head restraint greater than 2 inches from the victim’s head.

Treating Whiplash Injuries

Whiplash is usually self-limiting and heals on its own with time. There are a few steps you can take to speed up the recovery process.

• Ice the neck several times per day for 2-3 days.
• Try non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs if recommended by your doctor to reduce pain and swelling.
• Use a neck brace to support the neck for short-term relief.
• Before starting any recovery aid, be sure to be evaluated by a physician to verify your diagnosis and ensure there is not a more serious neck or head injury causing your pain.

Legal Assistance for Whiplash

If you believe you have sustained whiplash in a car accident, you may be eligible for compensation.

If we don’t win, you don’t pay.

Contact the legal professionals at McKenzie & Snyder for a free injury consultation and case review. Call McKenzie & Snyder today at (513) 657-3692.