Whiplash: More Than Just Pain

December 12, 2012

Whiplash: More Than Just Pain

Whiplash is a common result of car crashes, with many sufferers recovering rather quickly; however, about 15 to 20 percent of whiplash victims suffer from chronic, long term pain. No matter how long people have symptoms, whiplash causes a wide array of problems reaching far beyond neck pain.

Symptoms of Whiplash

Whiplash causes headaches, neck, back and shoulder pain. In addition, whiplash patients suffer from fatigue, jaw pain, weakness in the arms and dizziness. Some patients have issues with their vision and ringing in the ears. Beyond these ordinary symptoms whiplash may cause additional symptoms including:
-Depression and anxiety
-Post-traumatic stress syndrome
-Insomnia or other sleep issues
-Anger, stress and frustration
-Social isolation
-Dependence on drugs

These symptoms can affect a person's life far beyond the already stressful physical pain a whiplash victim suffers.

Whiplash Causes

The most common cause of whiplash is car crashes. Whiplash often occurs in car crashes where the victim's car is not in motion and is struck from behind. The head and neck are forced into abnormal positions and the victim suffers soft tissue damage.

Whiplash Treatments

Whiplash treatment varies depending on the symptoms. There is not one treatment, but all whiplash patients should become educated about their injury. Patients should know what caused their injury and what their likely outcome is.

Some patients have to wear soft cervical collars that will limit the range of motion in the neck. Some studies, however, show that too many limitations on the neck's range of motion may cause more harm than good and result in more chronic pain later. Physical therapy may also be of help to whiplash sufferers to work on their ranges of motion and strengthen their injured muscles. Conditions that are not related to pain such as anxiety and depression should be dealt with immediately by seeing a proper medical professional.

People who cause motor vehicle accidents may be subject to legal liability for injuries caused. Anyone who was hurt in a motor vehicle accident should contact a personal injury attorney who can help them recover for medical expenses and other monetary damages associated with the injury.

Article provided by Brandt & Sherman, LLP
Visit us at http://www.brandtandsherman.com