Whiplash. What is it and Do you have it?

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

How Does Whiplash Occur?

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, thus leading to a whiplash injury. 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.

What Does Whiplash Look Like?

Watch this demonstration from profession****al spine doctors and get an idea of what whiplash looks in a car accident and what the physical effects of whiplash might appear as.

What Are The Symptoms Of Whiplash?

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.

What Factors Affect The Extent Of A Whiplash Injury?

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.

How Is Whiplash Treated?

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.

Steps To Follow:

• 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.

How Can Mckenzie & Snyder Help?

If you believe you have sustained whiplash in a car accident, you may be eligible for compensation. Contact the legal professionals at McKenzie & Snyder for a free injury consultation and case review. If we don’t win, you don’t pay.

Call McKenzie & Snyder today at (513) 657-3692.