subject: Whiplash Injuries Explained [print this page] If you have sustained a whiplash injury, you will probably have several questions you need answered, such as: what is whiplash? Why did it happen? And will you make a full recovery? This article explores these questions, helping you understand the nature of whiplash injuries.
What Is Whiplash?
Whiplash is a soft tissue injury to the neck which occurs when the head is suddenly thrown away from the body. While whiplash can be caused by certain sporting activities (such as diving), it is usually associated with low-speed road traffic collisions.
Most commonly, whiplash will happen when a car is hit from behind by another vehicle. The force of this sudden impact will cause a person's head to jolt forwards and backwards. In the course of this whipping motion, the neck will hyperextend, meaning it goes beyond its normal range of movement. This in turn damages the muscles, tendons and ligaments in the neck - an injury known as whiplash.
How Do You Know If You Have Whiplash?
Many people who are involved in a road traffic collision initially believe they escaped injury. However, the symptoms of whiplash usually only become apparent a couple of hours after the incident, often gradually getting worse over a period of 24 hours. Such symptoms can include: neck pain sometimes extending to the back and shoulders, headaches, neck stiffness, dizziness and a tingling sensation in the fingers.
If you do start to develop the signs of whiplash, you should seek medical assistance as soon as possible, either from your General Practitioner or at A&E. A doctor will be able to diagnose your injury based upon your symptoms and your recent physical trauma (ie. if you have been in a car accident).
How Long Does Whiplash Last?
Whiplash can vary in severity, although generally the prognosis is good. Indeed, most people will suffer acute whiplash, meaning their symptoms will gradually improve within days or weeks. More often than not, a whiplash victim will have fully recovered within three months.
However, if symptoms persist for more than six months, then a patient is said to have chronic whiplash. In such cases recovery will be more prolonged, sometimes leaving permanent injuries. Sufferers of chronic whiplash may also experience more extreme symptoms such as memory loss, fatigue, irritability, and concentration impairment.
Is There Any Treatment For Whiplash?
Unfortunately, there is no particular cure for whiplash. Doctors advise patients to gently exercise their neck, applying ice for twenty minute periods to ease the inflammation. You may also want to take painkillers such as paracetamol, or you may be prescribed something stronger by your GP. Those with chronic whiplash often need additional medical treatment from a chiropractor or physiotherapist.
What Else Can You Do?
If you have suffered a whiplash injury as a result of a road traffic accident that was not your fault, you might consider whether there is anything else you can do. To find out, you need to talk to a solicitor, as you could be entitled to make a personal injury claim. If successful, you would be awarded compensation for the pain and suffering you have experienced, along with a sum to recover the finances you have lost because of your injury.
