If you have ever experienced a rear-end crash or you know someone who has,
you may have heard of the term whiplash. Whiplash occurs when sudden momentum
forces the movement of the head in a manner that angles the neck incorrectly.
The extension and flexion often results in strains in the joints of the
neck, injuring the muscles and ligaments in the upper back as well. It
is a serious injury that can make the neck particularly vulnerable to
injury. However, do you know how serious this type of injury can be and
what kind of long-term impacts it can have on the victim?
Symptoms You May Experience
Symptoms vary depending on how serious the collision is and how much the neck overextends as a result. Under usual circumstances, whiplash can cause stiffness and pain in the neck, tenderness, and even headaches at the base of the skull moving towards the front of the face to the forehead. In some of the more serious cases, whiplash can result in a concussion, which is serious trauma to the brain that can result in confusion, nausea, dizziness, and/or loss of consciousness. These symptoms may appear right away or could take time to develop.
Some individuals experience injury to the intervertebral joints and the joints and discs of the neck. They can also have torn ligaments, cervical muscles or nerve damage to the upper back or the neck. Whiplash may result in damage to the larynx or esophagus, which could lead to difficulty chewing or swallowing. It is extremely important to speak with a doctor if you notice any serious symptoms after a whiplash injury, as they could pose long-term damage to you if left untreated. Whiplash can be dangerous to the spine, neck, and head, so making sure you receive treatment as soon as possible is important.
Treatment Options
Often, treatment can be as simple as taking medication and allowing the pain to naturally subside over time. In other, more serious situations, the injured victim may need to use a brace to help stabilize the neck and prevent them from moving it excessively, which could cause further harm. There may be times when an injury victim requires long-term physical therapy to help them regain their natural range of motion and improve the healing process. This can include ultrasound or electrical stimulation early in the process to jump start therapy.
San Jose Neck Injury Lawyer
Whiplash can result from a number of situations, including car accidents and physical assaults. These aren’t the only possible causes, though. It can happen during a contact sport, a fall from a height that causes the head to jerk backwards, or trauma to the head forcing momentum to the neck. This rapid movement can injure not only your neck, but can also cause damage to the joints and ligaments surrounding the area.
If your injury has been caused by someone else’s negligence, you need to make sure you have legal representation who can help you seek the compensation you deserve. Whiplash may be serious enough for you to require medical treatment and ongoing therapy, and may cause you to miss time from work. The person responsible for the injury should be held accountable for his or her actions and they should be financially liable for any damages resulting from the injury. Let our San Jose neck injury attorneys represent you during this difficult time.
Call our team at Habbas & Associates and learn how we put our extensive experience on your side.
