Whiplash symptoms and treatment

Whiplash is a relatively common injury that many Massachusetts residents suffer after a car accident. However, many may not know just how problematic of an injury it can be.

Whiplash is an injury that can occur to the neck when an individual sustains impact from the rear while sitting in a stationary position. For example, when a rear-impact car accident occurs, the person may suffer a sudden, unrestrained forward and backward motion of the head and neck. While the injury is usually not life-threatening, it can result in partial disability that can last for a temporary period of time. In some cases, it also has the ability to develop into a long-term issue.

The symptoms of whiplash can range from neck, head and shoulder pain, pain in the jaw and arm weakness. If the injury is severe enough, symptoms could also include dizziness, fatigue and tinnitus. In the most severe cases, whiplash can result in stress, anxiety, depression and insomnia, among other mental disorders. In order to recover from whiplash, a doctor may have their patient wear a soft cervical collar for a short period of time followed by rehabilitative exercises. If needed, the patient may also undergo occupational therapy in order to return to work.

If someone sustains a whiplash injury in a car accident caused by another party, they can potentially file a personal injury lawsuit against the driver believed to be at fault. This type of suit might allow the injured person to seek compensation for the cost of any medical care and physical rehabilitation and any lost income as a result of missed work.

Source: MedicineNet.com, “Whiplash“, November 29, 2014