Understanding Personal Injuries: Whiplash
We can all visualize the scene: You pull up to a stop sign and stop your car in accordance with the law. Soon after you feel a tremendous jolt as some reckless driver behind you hits your stopped car. The sudden impact lurches your head forward and then back again. Do you have whiplash?
What is whiplash?
While most commonly associated with rear-end car accidents, whiplash is what happens any time the spine becomes hyperextended (read: strained and stretched) due to a sudden acceleration and deceleration of force. The injury may hurt like crazy, but it's not usually life-threatening; it can, however, have temporary and long-term health effects.
Do you have it?
The most common signs of whiplash include:
- pain and stiffness in the neck
- pain and stiffness in the shoulder
- pain and weakness in the arm
- headache and dizziness, sometimes with visual impairment
- ringing ears
Now, it is extremely important to note that anger, stress, and anxiety can cause many of these symptoms, as well. That being said, there are some long-term problems that can arise from whiplash if you do have it:
- Anger or frustration
- Stress and anxiety
- Depression and sleep problems
If you or a loved one has suffered a personal injury due to an accident, get checked out by a medical professional, and then contact our firm.