Many may believe that “whiplash” is a very specific injury. However, it actually refers to a variety of strains on soft tissue in the neck which occur when the neck is suddenly and sharply jerked forward or backward and then back into place. Whiplash injuries are common in serious car accidents, but particularly common in rear-end collisions in which passengers’ bodies may be jolted forward while their heads remain in place.
There is a sort of stigma attached to the word “whiplash” as though such injuries are usually, or frequently, exaggerated. For this reason, legitimate whiplash injuries may go by various names, including “hypertension,” “hyperextension,” “cervical strain/sprain,” and “myofascial injury.”
While some whiplash injuries may seem minor at first, their symptoms can cause chronic pain and have long-term consequences if left unaddressed. Common signs and symptoms include:
- Blurry vision
- Consistent headaches
- Cognitive/psychological problems
- Dizziness/disorientation
- Incomplete range of motion in the neck
- Insomnia
- Pain/stiffness in the neck, back, arms, or shoulders
- Trouble concentrating
Some of these symptoms may appear immediately following an accident or develop in the following days. If you have been in accident and are suffering from symptoms of whiplash, we strongly advise that you seek medical attention as soon as possible.
While these injuries are often sustained in rear-end collisions, other incidents may also cause whiplash, including:
- Contact sports
- Falling down stairs
- Slip-and-fall accidents
- Skiing/snowboarding accidents
- Workplace injuries, such as those involving repetitive tasks
Fortunately, a sizable percentage of common whiplash injuries do not require extensive medical treatment, and injured individuals often do well with painkillers, ultrasounds, heat and ice, and general physical therapy and/or rehabilitation. However, recovery times for these injuries may be significant and require a great deal of caution in order to heal fully. A whiplash victim who returns to work too early or engages in other strenuous activities before he/she has fully recovered may suffer long-term or permanent damage as a result.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident involving negligence, contact 844 See Mike for a free consultation. We are a Chicago-based injury law firm representing individuals (and their families) who have suffered an injury in an accident. We will handle your case quickly and advise you every step of the way, and we will not hesitate to go to trial for you.
Lastly, 844 See Mike is not paid attorneys’ fees unless we win your case. Our no-fee promise is that simple. You have nothing to risk when you hire us – only the opportunity to seek justice.
