If you’ve ever been rear-ended by another car, or a loved one has, then you’ve likely heard of whiplash. It occurs when a sudden force moves the head in a way that angles the neck incorrectly. The result in this extension and flexing can result in strains to the neck joints, injuries to the muscles and ligaments in the upper back, and even spinal cord injuries. Read on to learn about the potential long-term impact of this type of injury and then get a free consultation from Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas.
The potential symptoms of whiplash
The symptoms of any one person will depend on how serious the collision was and how much their neck overextended. Typical results of whiplash include a stiff neck, pain, tenderness, and possibly headaches at the bottom of the skull. In more serious cases, whiplash can lead to a concussion, which results in confusion, dizziness, loss of consciousness, and nausea. The symptoms of whiplash can show up right away or they can take weeks to develop.
Believe it or not, there are even more serious potential symptoms of whiplash: injury to the intervertebral joints, the discs of the neck, and other joints. You could be dealing with torn ligaments, nerve damage to the upper neck or back, and damage to the cervical muscles. You could even be looking at injury to the esophagus or larynx, which could result in challenges when chewing or swallowing.
What to do if you have symptoms of whiplash
First and foremost, speak with a doctor. If you don’t, then you could be increasing your chances of long-term damage to your spine, neck, and head. Your next move is to call a personal injury attorney. At Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas, we can help you get the compensation you deserve so you don’t have to live with pain, you can recover financially, and you’ll be compensated for your pain and suffering.
Treatment options for whiplash
As with any injury, the treatment for your case of whiplash will vary based on the extent of your injury. In some cases, it may be as simple as taking pain medication and waiting for the pain and symptoms to subside over time. In other cases, where the injuries were more extensive, you may need a brace to stabilize your neck and prevent you from moving too much. In these cases, even the slightest movement could make the injury worse.
In other cases, a person with whiplash may need long-term physical therapy. This therapy will help them to regain their typical range of motion and can improve their healing. Early in the process of physical therapy, an ultrasound or electrical stimulation may be used as well.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident and have been diagnosed with whiplash or have reason to believe you have whiplash, then you should reach out to Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 right away. We will help ensure you get the help you need.
