The term ‘whiplash’ is now commonly used and recognised in the English language, but it is often not until you are involved in an accident that you really understand what it means. This article explores the whiplash injury, how it happens and the after effects and what you can do to improve your pain.
What is Whiplash?
Whiplash is the name given to an injury usually to the neck. It normally occurs when you are driving a car either at low speed or stationary at a junction. Someone travelling behind you does not stop in time and collides with the rear of your car which forces your body to move forward as the car seat moves forward. However, as your neck is not touching the car seat due to the rapid acceleration it stays in its position until it connects with the headrest. Therefore, it is initially stretched backwards whilst the body is going forwards.
The next action is when the body is restrained by the seatbelt and starts to move backwards. At this point, the neck is still moving forwards with the headrest and again, because it is not connected to the seatbelt on its own, it does not start to return until it is snapped back when the rest of the body is moving backwards. It is this snapping forwards and backwards that causes the whiplash injury.
What whiplash pain will be experienced?
Whiplash pain can come out in a lot of different ways. The obvious pain is neck and shoulder pain, but it can also lead to dizziness, headaches and upper back pain. The sore neck is usually the most painful form of whiplash and it can last for a matter of only a few days or on some occasions it can lead to permanent pain. Fortunately, this is not normal and most people will make a full recovery within only a few weeks or at most, months.
What treatment is available?
There is a range of treatment available for whiplash. The first thing you should do is visit your General Practitioner or local Accident & Emergency Department and explain the accident you have been involved in. They will then examine you, possibly carrying out an X-ray or MRI scan. Once they have found there is no serious damage, they will usually provide you with some pain killers and, whereas neck collars always used to be provided, the current thinking is that this should not happen as it is better to keep the neck mobile.
If the pain continues, you should return to your General Practitioner who may recommend physiotherapy or chiropractic treatment.
What action can you take?
If you have experienced a whiplash injury following a car or other vehicle accident, you should contact an expert solicitor for urgent legal advice. They may also be able to recover the cost of any physiotherapy treatment during the course of your claim for compensation.
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