Whiplash Injury Advice

The seriousness of a whiplash injury is often indicated by how much time passes between the actual event that causes it and the appearance of the first whiplash symptoms. The signs can occur either right after the incident in an interval of just a few minutes, or hours (even days) after the injury.

Some of the most important symptoms of whiplash include: neck swelling and pain, tenderness at the back of the neck, spasms of the neck muscles, having difficulties in moving the neck, constant headaches, shoulder and arm pain.

Besides these basic symptoms, there are also other signs that could indicate the presence of whiplash, like: back pain, difficulties in swallowing, a blurred vision, dizziness, constant fatigue and irritability, nausea, vertigo, the presence of a ringing in the ears, jaw or face pain.

A typical scenario begins with neck pains, that are felt in a 2 hours – 2 days range after the car accident that produced the whiplash. This is true for more than 95% of the cases. This is due to the fact that the muscles have tightened and lost their flexibility. Also, up to 70% people who suffer from whiplash feel a headache.

Another clue is the shoulder pain associated with the whiplash. It radiates from the neck down to the shoulder blades, and it is also caused by tightened muscles. You may also have trouble sleeping and experience memory loss. You may also have a hard time concentrating. Your doctor will often advise you in this situation to take time off work. If you are not covered by sick leave, it could be the case that you are eligible for loss of earnings. Receiving this money is like getting cheaper car insurance or getting your tax return for the year. It is important to recognize the symptoms so you know what you are entitled to.

The time that needs to pass in order for the whiplash symptoms to go away varies according to the seriousness of the injury. There are people who are lucky enough to experience these symptoms only for a few days or weeks. Some people will have to endure it for 3 months. Some people who are not that lucky, about 25% of all people who suffer a whiplash injury, will feel these symptoms for a full year. Finally, people who are really unlucky, about 10%, will have to bear the burden for the rest of their lives.