Causes and Effects of Whiplash Injuries

Whiplash can occur with any sudden, violent jerk of the head or neck. Most whiplash injuries are a result of automobile accidents, though they may also be a result of a sports injury, most common in contact sports. A person suffering from whiplash may experience a number of symptoms including headaches, neck pain and/or stiffness, a decrease in neck mobility, fatigue and dizziness. While there are many physical symptoms associated with whiplash injuries, there are psychological ones as well such as memory loss, inability to concentrate, nervousness, irritability, and depression.

When a vehicle is struck, particularly from behind, the sudden acceleration of the vehicle can throw a person’s head backward, causing violent hyperextension of the neck. This is followed by a recoil, thrusting the head forward into extreme flexion, until finally the head returns to a neutral position. This all happens in a matter of seconds. Because the head is jarred so forcefully, a myriad of other injuries tend to occur. There have been cases of in-vertebral joint damage, disc damage, ligament damage, cervical spine injuries, as well as other orthopedic injuries. It is not uncommon to also suffer some sort of brain injury such as a concussion when in an accident severe enough to cause whiplash. Sometimes, when a person’s head is flying forward or backward, it hits a stationary part of the car, causing additional head injuries. There have been cases of people suffering from skull fractures when their head hit the windshield or steering wheel of their car. When in an automobile accident, it is possible to damage the muscles, nerves, and tissue around the neck so severely that the damage can be permanent, causing long-term pain. If the accident is powerful enough, a person’s spine may actually be forced from its natural curve. This can cause a variety of problems including an uneven distribution of body weight, which normally requires the help of a chiropractor. When the vertebrae are misaligned in this way, it is common for a painful condition known as bursitis to eventually set it. Unfortunately, whiplash injuries often result in damage that causes long-term pain, and leaves the victim’s neck more vulnerable to future or repeat injury.

If you are in an automobile accident and think you may have suffered from any sudden movement of the neck or head, be sure to seek medical attention immediately. Even if you do not immediately feel any pain, it is better to have a professional stabilize your neck until you can be examined by a doctor. Medical bills, testing, and medication can prove to be overwhelmingly expensive; calling an experienced personal injury attorney can drastically increase your chances of being rightfully compensated for your injury.