Car Accident Injuries: Whiplash

You may have heard of the term whiplash but may not know exactly what it is. Whiplash is the actual movement of the head thrusting forward and or backwards in a whip like motion that can cause trauma to the cervical area. Whiplash can cause tears and stretching of the muscles and tendons in the neck. This type of motion normally takes place in a motor vehicle accident, and it is imperative that you seek medical treatment as soon as possible to prevent worse or further injuries.

An Overview of Whiplash

Whiplash refers to an injury involving the soft tissues in the neck. It emanates from forceful and rapid movement of the neck, imitating the motion of a whip. To be precise, whiplash takes place mostly during auto accidents. Some common symptoms of whiplash are as follows:

• Neck Pain
• Headaches
• Stiffness of the neck
• Soreness of the neck
• Tingling, burning or sharp pains
• Limited mobility

If you are experiencing these symptoms after an auto accident, the next step is to seek medical treatment immediately from a doctor who specializes personal injury. As mentioned, delaying this process can cause further damage and make some injuries irreversible.

Underlying Issues of Whiplash

Concussion

We know that pain can be associated with whiplash from a motor vehicle accident but what about some of the underlying issues. One of the more common underlying issues is trauma to the brain. Coup contre coup is a term meaning blow and counterblow of the brain within the skull. This type of trauma can cause brain damage which in return can lead to a concussion. When you are evaluated by an accident doctor. This personal injury doctor will look for symptoms associated with a concussion and ruling this out early is very important.

Vertigo

Vertigo is a condition where a personal injury patient feels like they are spinning or falling. There are many instances where they would also feel dizziness and faint. In simple words, Vertigo is also known as an imbalance sensation. Vertigo is a common condition accompanying a majority of whiplash injuries. Note that neck injuries can cause misalignment in the cervical spine.

Spinal Misalignment

When encountering trauma to the neck or brain, spinal misalignment of the cervical, thoracic and lumber has most likely taken place. If this is suspected, x-ray imaging may take place and the patient could be put on a regular treatment plan by a chiropractor who specializes in personal injury. Mis alignment of the spine can lead to many ailments and lots of pain if gone untreated.

Degenerative Disc Disease

If you were involved in an auto accident in the past, consult a personal injury doctor immediately. This is because untreated whiplash usually has long term repercussions. It can cause degenerative disc illness, which can severely affect your overall mobility.

Degenerative disc disease refers to a condition where the discs between the vertebrae break down. This condition can cause weakness and numbness in your body. Severe whiplash injuries may tear the fine muscles in your neck. It can also cause dislocation of the upper cervical spine.

The discs located between the vertebrae usually act as absorbers of shocks. They also help us to bend and flex the back. However, with degenerative disc disease, you lose mobility as well as flexibility.

We Help With Whiplash

So, as you can see, do not underestimate an injury cause by whiplash. If you were in an motor vehicle accident, seek the advice of an auto accident doctor immediately.