Whiplash, also known as neck strain or neck sprain in an injury to the cervical area (neck). With a whiplash injury there is damage to the disk, nerves and tendons located between the vertebra.
Whiplash occurs with a sudden snapping, or whipping motion of the head general caused by car accidents and certain job injuries. While the symptoms may sometimes be immediately apparent, other times it can take a day or so before the symptoms become apparent. Generally the symptoms that occur within the first few days include:
Whiplash symptoms
- Neck pain
- Stiffness
- Mid/upper back pain
- Lower back pain
- Vertigo
- Vision problems
- Tennitus (ear ringing)
- Problems focusing or with recollection
- Agitation
- Fatigue
- Sleep disturbance
Whiplash diagnosis
Injuries to the tendons and nerves do not show up on X-rays. Many times a CT or MRI is necessary to diagnose whiplash.
Whiplash treatment
Whiplash is generally treated with muscle relaxers, pain medication, hot and cold packs, and massage. Some patients obtain relief from whiplash with injections or ultrasounds. While whiplash is sometimes treated by immobilizing the neck, many doctors now encourage some movement such as rotation or massage rather than total immobilization.
If you or a loved one has been involved in car accident or work accident that involves the sudden whipping of the neck, consult a qualified physician immediately. If the personal injury was the fault of someone else or a job accident, you should contact, contact a lawyer experienced in personal injuries to know your rights.
The Keener Law Firm has over 20 years of experience helping injury victims put their lives back together after suffering from whiplash and other injuries. Call 770–955-3000 for a free private consultation.
