Defining whiplash, its symptom, and treatments

Also known as ​“neck strain,” whiplash is a soft tissue injury caused by an abrupt overextension and flexion of the neck. It’s most often associated with car accidents, assault, and contact sports. However, it can result from any sudden, forceful movement of the neck. Although whiplash is usually minor, it can cause severe damage if left untreated. 

The most common symptoms of whiplash are neck and shoulder pain, but it can result in a wide variety of symptoms ranging from fatigue to blurred vision. Regardless of how you sustained your injury, it’s important to seek immediate medical care if you notice any of the symptoms covered in this blog.

Read on to learn more about symptoms and treatments for whiplash.

Symptoms

The symptoms of whiplash don’t always manifest immediately following an accident. In many cases, symptoms begin appearing several hours or even days after the impact. When — or if — symptoms arise, they might include:

• Blurred vision
• Tinnitus
• Irritability
• Difficulty concentrating
• Disturbed sleep patterns
• Trouble recalling memories
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Numbness or tingling in the arms
• Tender shoulders
• Headaches that start at the base of the skull
• Limited range of motion in the neck
• Neck pain and stiffness

If you experience any of the above and can remember your head getting thrown back in the accident, you probably have whiplash. However, since many of these symptoms can also indicate other health concerns, such as a traumatic brain injury, it’s essential to undergo a medical evaluation as soon as possible.

Treatments

In minor cases, a strained neck can heal on its own; however, severe whiplash may require surgery — although this is rare.

No matter the extent of your condition, your doctor might recommend the following treatments to facilitate your body’s natural recovery process:

• Icing your neck and shoulders
• Applying heat to your neck and shoulders
• Taking over-the-counter pain medication
• Taking prescription pain relievers
• Using muscle relaxers to loosen the muscles and promote restful sleep
• Undergoing massage therapy
• Exercising and stretching
• Participating in physical therapy
• Visiting alternative providers such as chiropractors and acupuncturists

Speak with a Lafayette personal injury attorney about your case.

If you sustained whiplash in an accident caused by someone else’s reckless or negligent behavior, you may be entitled to compensation for medical care, lost wages, and other damages. To determine if you have grounds for a personal injury claim, contact Ball Eggleston.

Our legal team will listen to your story, provide answers to your questions, and help you determine the most strategic way to proceed. Whether you were hurt in a motor vehicle collision or another type of accident, you can rely on our attorneys to help you make informed decisions regarding your claim.

If you are unable to come to our office, a member of our team will come to you. Call (765) 742‑9046 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free case evaluation with a personal injury lawyer in Lafayette.

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Ball Eggleston — a Lafayette, Indiana law firm — is located at 201 Main Street, Suite 810 P.O. Box 1535 Lafayette, IN 47902. Contact Ball Eggleston by phone at (765) 742‑9046, by fax at (765) 742‑1966, or by email at info@​ball-​law.​com. For additional information, find Ball Eggleston online at ballegg.local.

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Disclaimer: The content of this blog is intended to be general and informational in nature. It is advertising material and is not intended to be, nor is it, legal advice to or for any particular person, case, or circumstance. Each situation is different, and you should consult an attorney if you have any questions about your situation.