Whiplash is a specific neck injury caused when your head is forcefully jerked back, much like the crack of a whip. The sudden motion tears at the muscles and soft tissues in your neck, causing severe neck strain and other whiplash symptoms. Whiplash is an injury commonly associated with automobile collisions, forced trauma incidents, and sports accidents.
Whiplash symptoms typically appear within 24 hours and can take several weeks to heal. If your symptoms persist over 6 months, you may be experiencing chronic whiplash.
Common whiplash symptoms include:
- Severe neck pain
- Headaches
- Decreased range of motion in the neck
- Numb arms
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Lower back pain
- Muscle spasms
Get a Doctor’s Opinion
It’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible if you’re experiencing the symptoms of whiplash. “Whiplash” isn’t a medical diagnosis, but it is a useful term that allows patients to describe their injury and any associated pains. Occasionally, whiplash symptoms indicate serious medical issues, including spinal injuries and damaged discs. It’s also common for people to confuse their neck sprains or concussions with whiplash. Experiencing whiplash is particularly dangerous for people with existing neck or lower back pain.
Treatments for whiplash include:
- Applying ice
- Pain medication
- Wearing a neck brace or collar
- Neck exercises and stretches
- Physical therapy
Ask Your Lawyer
Personal injury cases involving whiplash injuries are very common in the United States. When a plaintiff files a claim, it’s often to seek economic compensation and quality-of-life costs. If you’ve sustained a whiplash injury due to the irresponsibility of another person, contact Michael J. Doyle, Attorney at Law. Our Albuquerque car accident attorney can help you evaluate your legal options and determine your best approach to pursuing maximum compensation.
Contact Michael J. Doyle, Attorney at Law at (505) 219-2176 to schedule a consultation.