Whiplash is one of the most common injuries suffered by road users in the UK. In some cases whiplash can be so minor, that people do not realise they are suffering from the injury. This guide aims to help people identify whiplash symptoms, treat the injury and how to make a claim.
What causes whiplash?
Whiplash is caused when the neck experiences a sudden distortion which causes damage to the neck’s soft tissue. The medical term for ‘whiplash’ is ‘Cervical acceleration-deceleration,’ meaning that when the neck is forced forwards and backwards, the neck becomes extended causing the ligaments in the neck and the muscles in the upper-back to become over-stretched.
How to identify minor whiplash
After a road accident, victims must check themselves for any injuries – no matter how minor. In severe whiplash cases, victims experience whiplash very noticeably, suffering from horrendous pain in the neck and upper-back. Some victims are treated for whiplash at the scene of a crash, placing the neck in a cervical soft collar immediately.
For those who are unsure of whether or not they are suffering from whiplash, the primary symptom they must look out for is an aching pain or stiffness in the neck and/or upper-back. These symptoms may not become visible to the victim for days or even weeks after the accident. Whiplash can affect individuals differently, meaning that not everyone will experience the same symptoms. If a person is experiencing any of the following symptoms, there is a real possibility that they are suffering from a whiplash injury:
- Discomfort in the neck and upper-back
- Headaches, migraines or dizziness
- Tightness or stiffness in the neck and upper-back
- Shoulder pain
- Burning or a tingling sensation in the neck or upper-back
As mentioned before, these symptoms may not appear until much later, even months after the accident. Any experience of these symptoms must be checked by a doctor.
A doctor or nurse will be able to identify whether a patient is suffering from whiplash or through a series of X-rays. These are painless and will be able to reveal if the soft tissue is damaged and highlight any possible fractures.
How to treat whiplash
Treating minor whiplash is relatively simple and treatment can be embedded in normal daily life without causing a nuisance. Minor whiplash can be treated in the following ways:
- Medication to reduce the pain, swelling and stiffness
- Ice and heat to reduce pain, inflammation and spasms
- Doing gentle neck exercises everyday
For whiplash injuries which are slightly more serious, the following treatments can help resolve the injury:
- A short course of physiotherapy to help increase circulation, restore motion and reduce stiffness and promote healing
- A short course of spinal mobilisation to restore the original position of the muscles and joints effected
- The use of a soft cervical collar to immobilise the neck during the healing process
How drivers can prevent whiplash
Wearing seatbelts correctly can protect passengers against whiplash.
It is also vital that the head restraint is correctly placed. The top head restraint must be level with the top of the driver’s head. The head restraint must be 2 inches from behind the head; the closer the head restraint the more effective it will be in protecting the head during impact.
How to make a claim
If you have medical proof that you have suffered a whiplash injury from an accident which wasn’t your fault, you may be liable for whiplash compensation. For advice on whiplash claims contact no win no fee lawyers London, Freeman Harris to discuss your whiplash claim.