Causes, Symptoms and Insurance Issues Surrounding Whiplash

Causes

Whiplash occurs when the neck suddenly extends forward (extension), backward (flexion) or sideways. Though this type of injury can happen many ways- from an accident at work to a fall on an icy sidewalk, the most common cause is a car accident. Rear-end car crashes, in general, are to blame for this injury to the soft tissues of the neck. Some injuries are so severe that

Symptoms

Symptoms of whiplash can come on immediately following an accident. However, you may not notice pain or stiffness until days after the crash. The following list contains the most common symptoms of whiplash. If you believe you have whiplash please seek medical care immediately.

• Neck pain or stiffness
• Shoulder pain or stiffness
• Headache or dizziness
• Difficulty swallowing and chewing
• Abnormal sensations such as burning or pricking in the neck, shoulders or back
• Blurred vision
• Pain between the shoulder blades
• Low back pain or stiffness
• Nausea
• Ringing in the ears
• Vertigo
• Pain in the jaw or face

Treatment Options

Treatment of whiplash usually begins with over the counter pain and anti-inflammatory medications. If the symptoms do not subside in a reasonable amount of time additional steps may be taken. Physical therapy and prescription medication can be helpful for some sufferers. Though most injuries heal in four to six weeks there are whiplash injuries so severe that the pain is long lasting and debilitating.

Issues Surrounding Whiplash

One of the problems with whiplash is that the pain may subside and then reappear months or even years after the accident. By then insurance claims have been settled, their pay out not enough to cover medical bills. Be sure to document all symptoms and present them to your doctor and your lawyer. New Hampshire attorneys Van Dorn and Curtiss have the winning record and experience to help you win your case.