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What Is Whiplash?

By Nicholas Jervis

Republish: EasyPublish™ Published: 09Mar2012 Word count: 463 Viewed: 76 time(s) Get Free Content For Your Site

When people speak of whiplash, they are referring to a neck injury which has (more often than not) been sustained in a road traffic accident. But despite it being a frequently used term, many remain uncertain as to what, exactly, whiplash is. So what is a whiplash injury? How is it caused? And will it lead to long-lasting damage? We take a look at these questions, helping to clarify the details surrounding whiplash injuries.

What is a Whiplash Injury?

A whiplash injury occurs when a sudden impact causes the head to be violently thrust backwards and forwards. For example, if the vehicle you are driving is hit from the rear by another car, your head will be rapidly forced back and forth. This 'whipping' movement causes your neck to stretch beyond its normal range of movement, something which is known as 'hyperextension'. This damages the muscles, tendons and ligaments in the neck which will, in turn, lead to symptoms of a whiplash injury. These may only become apparent hours after the incident, and will commonly include:-

* A sore/stiff neck with reduced mobility;

* Shoulder and back pain;

* Headaches;

* Dizziness;

* Nausea.

Can Whiplash Cause Long-Term Damage?

Whiplash is regarded as a self-limiting condition, which means it usually heals of its own accord. Medical professionals now advise those suffering from whiplash to perform gentle neck exercises to help improve mobility, while ice can be applied to reduce swelling. Although the symptoms of whiplash can cause a large amount of pain and discomfort, the good news is that they should subside with time. Every case is different, and so the amount of time it takes to make a full recovery will differ from patient to patient. This could be anything from one week to two months.

However, in more severe whiplash cases, symptoms will persist for six months or more. This is called 'chronic whiplash', something which may require medical treatment from a chiropractor or physiotherapist. In some very rare situations, a whiplash patient will left with long-term damage, although thankfully this is not particularly common.

Should I Seek Legal Advice?

If you suffered whiplash as a result of a road traffic accident, you must ask yourself: who was responsible for the accident? If responsibility lies with another party (ie. the other driver) then you must seek legal advice as soon as possible. This is because if you suffer injury as a result of someone else's actions, you are legally entitled to claim compensation. This will help to recover any finances you have lost because of the accident, and will also help to recompense for the pain and suffering you have been caused.

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