What
are Whiplash injuries and why are they caused?
Whiplash is a term used to cover pain to different
parts of the neck, shoulders and back which most
commonly arise from road traffic accidents. As
such we shall concentrate on Whiplash injuries
from Road Traffic Accidents in this guide. This
is a general guide and we advise that you seek
advice from your GP regarding treatment for any
injury you have sustained.
Hundreds of thousands of road traffic accidents
occur in the UK each and every year. The majority
of Whiplash injuries are shortlived that is the
person who suffers from the Whiplash injury generally
recovers with a period of 24 months. Some people
recover within 6 months, some in unfortunate cases
can be left with permanent symptoms.
There are various factors which can determine
the level of pain and other symptoms you suffer
from. How long that pain and other symptoms can
continue for depends on many factors such as how
severe the accident was. Other factors include
whether you already have previous problems from
either a previous accident or from arthritis or
other condition which could be affected by the
accident. If and when you have had any treatment
for your injury could also effect how long you
suffer for.
Whiplash in its true form to the neck is Hyperextension
and Hyperflexion to the neck - what this means
is as the rear of the vehicle is hit the body
is thrown forward. The body is restrained by the
seatbelt however the head is not and such as the
car is hit from behind when the person inside
the vehicle is thrown forward the seatbelt restrains
the body causing the head to be thrown forward
and then back. This in its basic form causes the
Whiplash injury from the road traffic accident.
The Whiplash Injury also has associated medical
conditions these are, but not limited to:
- Back Pain
- Restricted movement in the neck and/or back
- Shoulder pain
- Pins and needles
- Dizziness
- Headaches
The above list of symptoms is not an exhaustive
list, it is however a large proportion of the
type of symptoms we see clients suffer from following
their injury from a road traffic accident.
If you have suffered from a Whiplash Injury and
wish to discuss a personal injury claim with our
firm then please click on the online
enquiry form for no obligation advice
regarding your personal injury claim. |
