What to Know About Whiplash Injuries from Car Accidents

Whiplash, a neck injury caused by the head suddenly moving back and forth, is a frequent injury from car accidents. The strain to the muscles and ligaments in the neck leads to whiplash. This article gives an overview of whiplash injuries, covering the causes, signs, how it’s diagnosed, treatments, and suggestions to prevent long-term pain.
What Exactly is Whiplash?
Whiplash is a non-medical term used to describe neck pain and related symptoms that stem from the neck’s soft tissues—the muscles, tendons, and ligaments—being overstretched and strained. It is medically referred to as a neck sprain or strain.
Whiplash injuries most often occur during rear-end collisions, when the force of the impact pushes the head backward, then forward rapidly. Side impacts can also cause whiplash by jolting the head sideways. The sudden movement exceeds the normal range of motion of the neck, overextending the soft tissues.
In addition to motor vehicle accidents, whiplash can result from contact sports injuries, physical abuse, trips or falls, and amusement park rides. Any activity where the head is forcibly jerked can potentially cause whiplash.
Common Symptoms of Whiplash
Whiplash symptoms may develop immediately or can take hours or days to appear. Common symptoms include:
• Headaches, usually starting at the base of the skull
• Neck pain and stiffness
• Pain or stiffness in the shoulder, arm, or upper back
• Dizziness
• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
• Fatigue or irritability
• Problems with concentration and memory
• Jaw pain
• Nausea
The degree of pain and disability varies widely, from mild discomfort to debilitating pain. Symptoms usually improve within a few weeks, but some patients develop chronic whiplash-associated disorders (WAD) that cause long-term discomfort and disability.
Factors that can influence the severity of whiplash include the force of impact, the position of the head and body at the time of collision, pre-existing conditions like arthritis, and whether the individual was prepared for the collision.
Diagnosing Whiplash
Doctors use a patient’s description of the accident and symptoms, along with a physical exam, to diagnose whiplash. They check for tenderness, reduced range of motion, and pain when moving the head and neck.
Imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans, or MRIs may be ordered to check for injuries to bones, discs, muscles, ligaments, or nerves. However, tests often appear normal, even when a patient is experiencing pain. This is because whiplash involves soft tissue damage that doesn’t show up on imaging tests.
Doctors may use diagnostic injections to confirm a whiplash injury. An anesthetic is injected into specific areas of the spine to numb the area temporarily. If pain goes away during this time, it helps confirm that particular location as the source.
Electromyography (EMG) may also be used to assess nerve function and muscle health after whiplash. Small needles and electrodes measure electrical activity in muscles. Irregular results can indicate nerve compression or muscle strains.
Common Treatments for Whiplash
The goal of treatment is to relieve pain and restore normal motion and function. Different types of treatment may be recommended, either alone or in combination:
Rest: Avoiding normal activities for the first few days allows injured tissues to begin healing. Using a soft cervical collar may provide support and limit painful motion.
Ice and heat: Applying ice packs helps relieve pain and swelling, especially within the first 2-3 days. After that, switching to moist heat may relax tight muscles.
Over-the-counter pain relievers: Medications like acetaminophen or NSAIDs can temporarily alleviate whiplash pain and inflammation.
Physical therapy: PT involves gentle exercises and techniques like massage, ultrasound, and muscle stimulation to increase flexibility, strength, and circulation.
Chiropractic: Spinal manipulation and mobilization provided by chiropractors can realign the neck and restore range of motion.
Injections: Cortisone shots can reduce inflammation and pain. In some cases, botulinum toxin injections may relax tight muscles.
Surgery: This is rarely needed for whiplash, unless a herniated disc is pressing on the spinal cord or nerve roots.
Alternative medicine: Options like acupuncture, massage therapy, or yoga may provide relief for some patients. Always check with your doctor first.
It usually takes at least a few months for whiplash to fully heal. Patients should avoid activities that could re-injure the neck during recovery. Follow all doctor’s orders for rest, braces, medication, and physical therapy.
Tips to Help Prevent Chronic Pain
While most people fully recover from whiplash, some develop chronic pain. Here are some tips to help avoid long-term problems:
• Get prompt treatment, as soon as possible after the injury. This can help prevent symptoms from worsening.
• Avoid movements that aggravate pain, but stay as active as possible. Gentle stretches and exercise helps enhance recovery.
• Use good posture and proper head support while sitting or driving.
• Apply ice after activity to minimize inflammation. Use heat before activity to loosen muscles.
• Take frequent breaks at work to stand, stretch, and move your neck.
• Consider physical therapy to learn exercises that strengthen the neck and keep it flexible.
• Continue home exercise and posture habits even after pain improves to prevent reinjury.
• Manage stress and maintain a positive attitude. Depression and anxiety can amplify pain.
• Stick with whiplash treatment even if progress seems slow. Healing takes time. Don’t try to rush through recovery.
• Wear seat belts properly to reduce motion in a collision. Headrests should be adjusted to support the head.
• Be aware of accident risk and drive defensively to avoid rear-end crashes.
Seek Legal Advice
If you suffer a whiplash injury in a car accident caused by another driver’s negligence, it’s advisable to consult with a personal injury attorney. They can help you pursue compensation through an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. This can cover not only medical expenses, but also lost income and pain and suffering damages.
At Pardy & Rodriguez, our car accident lawyers have extensive experience obtaining full and fair compensation for accident injury victims. We provide free, no-obligation consultations, so contact us to discuss your potential claim and legal options.
Visit one of our offices at:
• Orlando – 315 Park Lake Cir., Orlando, FL 32803
• Tampa – 11700 N. 58th St., Ste. A, Temple Terrace, FL 33617
• Kissimmee – 1052 E. Osceola Parkway, Kissimmee, FL 34744
• Poinciana – 4663 Old Pleasant Hill Road, Poinciana, FL 34759
• Davenport – 40230 US Highway 27, Suite 140, Davenport, FL 33837
• Bradenton – 409 6th Avenue East, Bradenton, FL 34208
Or call now for a free consultation on (888) 522-0222.