The Cambridge Dictionary definition of whiplash is ‘a neck injury caused by a sudden forward movement of the upper body, especially in a car accident’. The vigorous movement of the head overstretches and damages the tendons and ligaments in the neck.
Have you been involved in a car accident and sustained a whiplash type injury? If so we may be able to help. We have a fully trained team of people waiting to provide free, no obligation advice at the end of our Freephone number 0800 0282060 so please give us a call and see how we can help you.
Causes of whiplash
As stated above, the most common cause of a whiplash injury is a car accident. However, any action involving a sudden movement of the head forwards, backwards or sideways can result in a whiplash injury. Therefore other causes such as falls and playing sports can result in a whiplash injury.
Symptoms of whiplash
A whiplash injury usually can be identified with the following symptoms:-
• Pain, tenderness and stiffness in the neck.
• Loss of movement in the neck.
• Headaches.
Whiplash can be extremely debilitating and last anything from a few weeks to six months. Anything lasting longer than six months is usually described as chronic whiplash. Other, less common, symptoms associated with whiplash include the following:-
• Muscles spasms in the arms or shoulders.
• Lower back pain.
• Dizziness.
• Tiredness.
• Pins and needles in your arms and hands.
Treatment
The severity of your injury will dictate the treatment required however in most cases this type of injury will get better on its own with basic treatment as follows:-
• Keeping mobile. It is important to keep your neck moving to speed up recovery. A few gentle neck exercises are recommended. The NHS website provides detail on some good flexibility exercises.
• Painkillers and anti-inflammatories can be used to help reduce pain and tenderness. Always follow the manufacturer’s recommended dosage instructions.
• Physiotherapy is usually recommended if your symptoms continue for longer than a few weeks. Your GP will be able to advise regarding this.
• Good posture will assist in managing pain and stiffness and should help prevent your symptoms worsening.
• Supportive pillow. Some people find a firm, supportive pillow helpful however it is not recommended you use more than one pillow.
Don’t suffer your injury in silence, get the money you deserve!
If you have been injured through no fault of your own you may have a potential personal injury claim. It is worth bearing in mind however that in order to make a successful claim there needs to be a negligent third party responsible for the incident. The easiest way to find out how we can help you is to follow the steps below.
Free Claim Assessment
If you have been injured and would like a free Claim Assessment so that you can discover your rights, please call us now on 0800 028 2060 or complete our Online Claim Assessment.
