Here in the UK, thousands of people experience the pain of whiplash every year. This condition is strongly linked to car accidents, although you can get whiplash in other ways.
This article explores the symptoms of whiplash, discusses what might cause it, and gives you helpful information on how to treat your pain. If you have ever been in a car crash or suffered from whiplash, then this one is for you.
What is Whiplash?
Whiplash is an injury to the neck – quite literally a pain in the neck! It is a strain caused by the whipping back and forward of the neck at an expedient pace, such as what happens when you stop suddenly because you have impacted another vehicle.
Whiplash is closely related to car crash injuries because that is where it is most commonly reported. A high percentage of people who are involved in a Road traffic Accident (RTA) will suffer from whiplash as a result.
Unfortunately, the symptoms of whiplash might not come on until hours or days after an accident. This means it is not always apparent from the moment when you seek treatment for your car crash injuries.
What Causes Whiplash?
Whiplash happens when the muscles, ligaments, and soft tissues of the neck are put under tremendous strain. A sudden impact throws the head forward, then backwards, slamming into any obstacles behind it (such as a car head rest).
A movement this sharp occurring before the body has had time to prepare for it can cause the muscles to contract, shocked into tightening. These muscles will unwind over time – but it will take time.
Rear-end car collisions are cited as the most common cause of whiplash; however, you do not need to be in a car accident to suffer from whiplash.
Can you get whiplash without being in a car accident?
You can! You can suffer from neck injuries during sports accidents, through being involved in a violent assault, and even from tripping, slipping, or falling the wrong way.
Knowing the Symptoms
Knowing the symptoms of whiplash is handy, particularly since it can come on hours after the accident or after your visit to A&E.
Whiplash symptoms include:
- Pain in the neck
- Stiffness
- Lack of mobility in the neck, back, and shoulders
- Pain in the lower back where the muscles are taking the strain
- Bruising or swelling of the back of the neck area
- Headaches, dizziness, and drowsiness.
What to do About Whiplash?
If you think you are experiencing whiplash, then you should contact a medical practitioner. Your doctor will advise you on the possible treatment options. Anti-inflammatory drugs and relaxants may be needed to ease your pain.
Once you have sought treatment for whiplash, you should check whether you are eligible to bring a claim for compensation against the at-fault party who gave you this debilitating condition in the first place. Seek the skills of a personal injury solicitor who specialises in car accident claims to proceed.
Is a Personal Injury Claim Worth It?
A personal injury claim is always worth enquiring about. Whiplash claims in the UK could see you awarded anything from £240 upwards to thousands of pounds. If the condition leads to permanent damage or takes up to two years to fully recover from, you may be eligible for a far larger compensation claim award.
Pursue the personal injury claim after a car accident to recuperate your expenses for whiplash. With the right solicitor it is always worth your time.
