Whiplash From a Rear-End Accident Can Cause Years of Pain and Suffering

• July 1, 2023
• Strong Law
• Car Accidents Spinal Injury

According to the Mayo Clinic, signs of a whiplash injury typically manifest within hours or days of a car accident. While it is more common to recognize these signs within 24 hours, symptoms may not appear until a few days later. As a result, the timeframe for experiencing a whiplash injury after a car accident may vary among individuals.

After a car accident, it is common to not immediately feel any symptoms of a whiplash injury or other injuries. However, it is important to note that these injuries can sometimes manifest days after the accident. Therefore, it is advisable to get medical treatment directly after an auto accident from medical professionals who are familiar with vehicle accident injuries.

What is Whiplash?

Whiplash is a type of neck injury that occurs when the neck is forcefully and rapidly moved back and forth, resembling the cracking of a whip. This sudden and jerking motion can result in significant discomfort and pain in the neck area.

Whiplash is frequently associated with rear-end car accidents; however, this painful condition can also arise from sports mishaps, physical abuse, or other traumatic incidents like falls. While it may be referred to as a neck sprain or strain, these terms encompass a broader range of neck injuries.

The majority of individuals experiencing whiplash typically experience improvement within a few weeks by adhering to a treatment plan that encompasses pain medication and exercise. Nevertheless, a subset of people may encounter persistent neck pain and other enduring complications.

What are the Symptoms of Whiplash?

Whiplash is a neck injury commonly associated with car accidents, although it can stem from other sources as well. This type of injury transpires when the neck undergoes a forceful and rapid jerking motion, akin to cracking a whip or nodding vigorously. Rear-end car accidents commonly cause whiplash injuries, as well as other types of car accidents.

Some of the symptoms of whiplash may include:

• Neck pain and stiffness that worsens with movement
• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Pain, tingling, and numbness in the arms, shoulders, and upper back

Other possible signs of whiplash are blurred vision, ringing in the ears, sleep problems, issues with memory and concentration, and depression.

What are Some of the Common Complications Caused by Whiplash?

The majority of individuals experiencing whiplash generally recover within a few weeks without any long-term consequences. Nonetheless, a subset of people may persistently endure pain for several months or even years following the initial injury.

It is difficult to predict how each person with whiplash may recover. In general, you may be more likely to have chronic pain if your first symptoms were intense, started rapidly and included:

• Severe neck pain
• More-limited range of motion
• Pain that spread to the arms

The following risk factors have been linked to a worse outcome:

• Having had whiplash before
• Older age
• Existing low back or neck pain
• A high-speed injury

How Long Do Whiplash Injuries Last?

After a car accident, most individuals who experience whiplash typically recover within a few weeks with the help of treatment. This treatment often involves the use of pain medication, as well as the application of heat and ice, rest, and exercise. In certain cases, physical therapy can be beneficial in improving the range of motion in the neck.

Nonetheless, certain individuals may persistently endure symptoms, such as chronic neck pain, for months, ultimately encountering long-term complications stemming from whiplash.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, a significant percentage (ranging from 12% to 50%) of individuals who experience whiplash continue to endure neck pain for up to a year after their accidents. In addition to the pain, these individuals may also experience a restricted range of motion in their necks.

If you start experiencing symptoms of a whiplash injury after a car accident, it’s important to seek medical treatment promptly. The timing of when these symptoms appear can vary, so don’t delay in getting the necessary care.

Even if you’re only experiencing mild symptoms right after an accident, it’s important to be aware that you might experience more severe pain and other symptoms as time passes.

How Does a Doctor Diagnosis a Whiplash Injury?

During your appointment, your doctor will inquire about the event and your symptoms. They may also pose questions to gauge the severity and frequency of your symptoms. Additionally, your doctor will be interested in understanding your ability to carry out daily tasks proficiently. Rest assured that the information gathered will aid in providing you with the best possible care.

Although a whiplash injury may not be visible on imaging tests, your doctor will probably request one or more of these tests to eliminate other conditions that could exacerbate your neck pain. Imaging tests include:

• X-rays. X-rays taken from multiple angles can help identify fractures, dislocations, or arthritis in the neck.
• Computerized tomography (CT). This unique form of X-ray imaging can generate cross-sectional visuals of bones, effectively revealing potential bone injuries and damage.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Utilizing radio waves and a magnetic field, this advanced imaging test generates intricate 3D images. Apart from identifying bone injuries, MRI scans are capable of detecting soft tissue injuries, including spinal cord damage, disk abnormalities, and ligament impairments.

What is the Proper Treatment for Whiplash Injuries?

The course of your treatment will be determined by the severity of your whiplash injury. For some, over-the-counter medication and self-care may suffice. However, others may require prescription medication, specialized pain management, or physical therapy to aid in their recovery.

Your doctor may recommend one or more of the following treatments to lessen pain:

• Rest. While taking some time to rest can be beneficial for a day or two following an injury, excessive bed rest may actually impede the recovery process. It is important to strike a balance between rest and activity to optimize healing and ensure a prompt recovery.
• Heat or cold. Applying heat or cold to the neck for about 15 minutes every three hours can provide relief and improve your well-being.
• Over-the-counter pain medications. Common over-the-counter pain relievers, like acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others), are frequently effective in managing mild to moderate whiplash pain.
• Prescription medications. Individuals experiencing more severe pain may be prescribed specific antidepressant medications that have demonstrated efficacy in alleviating nerve pain.
• Muscle relaxants. These drugs may be prescribed for short-term use to relax tense muscles and alleviate pain. They can also induce drowsiness, and may be utilized to facilitate restful sleep when pain hinders a good night’s rest.
• Injections. To alleviate pain and facilitate physical therapy, lidocaine (Xylocaine), a numbing medication, can be injected into the affected muscle areas. This approach effectively reduces discomfort, enabling you to engage in therapy with greater ease.

Physical Therapy for Whiplash Injuries

If you are experiencing persistent whiplash pain or require assistance with range-of-motion exercises, your doctor may advise consulting a physical therapist. Physical therapy can contribute to your overall well-being and potentially mitigate future injuries. A skilled physical therapist will provide guidance on exercises aimed at strengthening your muscles, enhancing posture, and restoring natural movement patterns.

In certain situations, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) may be employed as a potential treatment. TENS involves the application of a gentle electric current to the skin. Although research is limited, preliminary findings indicate that this therapy can provide temporary relief for neck pain and potentially enhance muscle strength.

The required number of physical therapy sessions will differ for each individual. Additionally, your physical therapist can design a customized exercise regimen that can be performed in the comfort of your own home.

What is the Purpose of Foam Collars?

Soft foam cervical collars were frequently utilized to immobilize the neck and head in cases of whiplash injuries. Nevertheless, research has indicated that prolonged immobilization of the neck can lead to a decline in muscle strength and hinder the recovery process.

Using a collar to restrict movement can provide relief from pain shortly after an injury and assist with better sleep. However, recommendations for collar usage vary. Some experts advise limiting usage to a maximum of 72 hours, while others suggest wearing it for up to three hours a day over a few weeks. To ensure proper usage and duration, it is best to consult your doctor, who will provide instructions tailored to your specific needs.

Neck collars are crafted from felt material, customized to conform to the contours of the patient’s neck and jaw. While not providing complete immobilization, these collars effectively restrict movement, serving as a tactile reminder for patients to minimize neck motion. By supporting the chin and reducing muscular effort against gravity, they promote a natural head position. Although they do not fully immobilize the neck, they effectively limit flexion and extension in the final stages. These closely fitted collars also help manage perspiration around the neck area.

How Can a Car Accident Attorney Help You with Your Whiplash Case?

There is a misconception among some individuals that whiplash injuries are not significant enough to pursue a personal injury case after a car accident. They might believe that they are solely responsible for their medical expenses and therefore overlook seeking legal counsel regarding their circumstances.

If you have experienced a whiplash injury due to the negligence of another driver or party, you may have a legal basis to hold them accountable for your suffering.

Whiplash injuries can have a profound and enduring impact. They often necessitate extensive and ongoing medical care, resulting in substantial financial costs. Moreover, these injuries can cause significant pain and hinder your ability to participate in your usual activities.

In certain instances, they can affect your work capabilities or necessitate absence from work due to treatment.

If your whiplash injury in a car accident was caused by the careless or reckless behavior of another driver, you may have grounds to seek compensation from that driver. Car accidents that occur due to drunk driving, speeding, or texting while driving are all examples of situations where the other driver may be considered negligent.