If you have been in an automobile collision and are feeling pain in your neck, you may be suffering from whiplash. Whiplash is a common injury that occurs when the head is suddenly jerked backwards and then forwards. Many people don't seek medical care after a car accident because they aren't feeling the full extent of their injuries. However, it is important to get checked out by a doctor even if you only have minor symptoms. By the time more serious complications develop, some of the damage from the injury may have become permanent. This commonly happens with whiplash because symptom onset is often delayed, starts mild and can progress to severe.
Defining Whiplash Injury Accident
Get a Whiplash Injury Lawyer After An Automobile Accident
Whiplash is most commonly associated with automobile accidents, but the injury can also occur during a slip and fall, contact sports or other activities that cause the head to be jerked suddenly. When this happens, the soft tissues in your neck including the muscles, tendons and ligaments can become stretched or torn. Whiplash can range from mild to severe, depending on the extent of the damage.
Common Symptoms of Whiplash Injury After A Traffic Collision
There are a variety of symptoms that can occur with whiplash. It is important to note that not all victims will experience all of these symptoms and they may come on gradually or all at once. The most common symptoms associated with this whiplash after a traffic collision include neck pain and stiffness, headaches, dizziness, and fatigue.
Neck Pain and Stiffness
One of the most common symptoms of whiplash is neck pain and stiffness. This can range from a mild ache to severe pain. The pain may be constant or it may come and go. It may also get worse when you move your head or neck.
Headaches
Another common symptom of whiplash is headaches. These can range from mild to severe and can be located in the front, back, or sides of the head. The headaches may be constant or they may come and go.
Dizziness
Many people with whiplash also experience dizziness. This can range from mild to severe and can make it difficult to function normally.
Fatigue
Fatigue is another common symptom of whiplash. This can be caused by the pain and stiffness of the injury, as well as the stress of dealing with the injury. The fatigue may be constant or it may come and go.
Chronic Pain
For some people, the symptoms of whiplash can last for months or even years. This is known as chronic pain. Chronic pain can be very debilitating and can make it difficult to work, take care of your family, and enjoy your life.
Sleep Disturbances
Many people with whiplash also have difficulty sleeping. This can be caused by the pain and stiffness of the injury, as well as the stress of dealing with the injury. The sleep disturbances may be constant or they may come and go.
Symptoms Overlap With More Serious and Permanent Injuries
Whiplash Injury: Don't Settle for Less Than You Deserve
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible. Whiplash can be a very serious injury and can have long-lasting effects if it is not treated properly. Some the symptoms of whiplash overlap with traumatic brain injury, concussion, herniated and ruptured discs, damaged nerves and/or fractured vertebrae. It is essential to be examined by a qualified physician who can order the appropriate diagnostic tests to reach an accurate diagnosis and develop an effective treatment plan.
Treatments That Can Help Your Whiplash Injury After A Car Crash
Once your doctor has diagnosed your whiplash injury, they will develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your needs. The goal of treatment is to relieve your pain and help you regain your normal function. There are a variety of treatments that can be effective for whiplash, including:
- Physical therapy
- Chiropractic care
- Massage therapy
- Acupuncture
- Exercise
- Medications
If these conservative treatments do not fully cure the symptoms of whiplash, then a more serious underlying injury may be causing the problem. Permanent neck injuries to the cervical spine in the form of a herniated disc could be impinging the nerve and causing pain. Your doctor will use your treatment history combined with diagnostic testing and a physical examination to determine next steps. Pain management and ultimately surgical intervention might be needed to cure or relieve the injury.
- Pain Management
- Trigger Point Injection
- Epidural Steroid Injection (ESI)
- Surgery
Gap In Treatment Is Often Problematic: Get Treatment Right Away
Treatments That Can Help Your Whiplash Injury After A Car Crash
One of the biggest problems with whiplash is that people often delay treatment. They may not feel pain right away or they may think that their symptoms are not serious. However, delayed treatment can often lead to more serious and permanent problems. If you have been in a car accident, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible. A qualified physician can examine you, order the appropriate diagnostic tests, and develop an effective treatment plan. If you wait too long, the damage from your injury may become permanent.
Don't Settle For Less Than You Deserve
According to studies, years after whiplash victims settle their insurance claims, roughly half of them still suffer from symptoms. This is why it is so important to get the full extent of your injuries checked out by a doctor. If you are suffering from whiplash, don't settle for less than you deserve. Insurance adjusters consistently try to undervalue neck and back injuries. This is because they are extremely common and hard to see. Unlike broken bones, bruising, cuts, burns, and tears, herniated discs are small and slight internal damages that cause massive permanent disability. The best thing you can do is get a full evaluation from an experienced personal injury doctor and if needed, hire an experienced attorney to help you obtain the full and fair compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Get a Whiplash Injury Lawyer After An Automobile Accident
If you've been in an accident and are suffering from whiplash, it is important to get a whiplash injury lawyer. A whiplash injury lawyer will help you get the full extent of your injuries checked out by a doctor and will make sure you get the full amount of money you are entitled to. Contact us today for a free consultation. We will fight for you and make sure you get the money you deserve.
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