Whiplash is one of the most common spinal injuries, with over 100,000 people suffering whiplash injuries every year in the United States. Even so, whiplash is not very well understood, and many people don’t realize what a serious injury it can be. In fact, any injury involving the spine should be taken extremely seriously, and you should always seek the best possible medical care after experiencing any spinal injury.
What is Whiplash?
Whiplash is a soft tissue injury in the neck that typically results from the neck snapping back and forth, or side to side, like a whip. Medically, the injury is a muscle sprain in the neck. Whiplash can be caused by falls or collisions in contact sports, but typically it occurs in car accidents. When a car is hit from behind, or t-boned, the force of impact can snap a person’s head in a way that strains the neck muscles. A Waukesha spinal injury lawyer can help you understand your options if you have been injured in a car accident.
In some cases, the symptoms of whiplash will be felt immediately, but symptoms may also be delayed in presenting. Some common whiplash symptoms include:
- Stiffness or soreness in the neck and back
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Impaired vision
Less common symptoms that victims of more severe whiplash may also experience:
- Ringing in the ears
- Memory problems
- Trouble focusing on tasks
Sometimes when you have been in a car accident, adrenaline or stress may prevent you from immediately feeling effects of injuries sustained in the crash. It is always wise to see a doctor after a car accident, but if you begin to feel any of these symptoms, and especially if you the pain spreads to your arms or if you experienced numbness in the arms, you need to get medical care immediately.
Whiplash Recovery
In most cases, recovery from whiplash is primarily a matter of time and rest. In many cases, a doctor may recommend heat or ice for swelling and pain, or in more extreme cases a prescription painkiller may be indicated. However, it may not be possible to work while recovering from whiplash injuries, which can take several weeks to heal. The good news is that in most cases people are able, in time, to recover completely.
If you have suffered whiplash in a car accident that was caused by the negligence of another driver, speak with an experienced Milwaukee spinal injury attorney immediately to discuss your options. Getting expert medical attention is the first priority, but medical bills can add up, and if the injury required you to miss work, those lost wages don’t make it easy. The attorneys at the Wisconsin personal injury law firm of Jastroch & LaBarge can help ensure your medical care, that the full value of all insurance claims is paid, and that you are compensated for any lost wages. You may be eligible for compensation for pain and suffering as well. For more information and a FREE CONSULTATION contact Jastroch & LaBarge today at (877)558-5855.
