Whiplash is an injury that typically is associated with rear-end-collision automobile accidents. During this type of wreck, the head of anyone in the vehicle that was rear-ended is forcefully jolted back, and then forward, causing damage to the structure of both the front and the back of the neck. This kind of violent movement can lead to extreme stretching, compression and shifting of structures in the spine, ligaments, muscles, and nerve tissues, especially if twisting also occurs. Driving speed during a rear end auto accident does not determine the severity of a whiplash injury. Rather, the force at which the back and neck are jolted determines the severity of a whiplash injury. Many whiplash victims do not seek immediate medical treatment because they only feel shaken up and do not believe medical attention is necessary.
The movement of the spine is guided by neck vertebrae that are made of posterior joints called facets that link each vertebrae. The discs linking the bodies of vertebrae together are composed of a dense cartilage that covers a soft material in the center. These discs act as shock absorbers and spacers between the vertebrae. In a canal positioned between the body and facets of the vertebrae is the spinal cord. Spinal nerves leave the spine between the vertebrae and supply energy to the muscles and organs of the body. The nerves that exit from the neck are responsible for the entire upper extremity including the shoulder, elbow and hand, as well as structures of the head and neck.
Even at low speeds, the amount of force placed on the spinal cord in a rear-end car accident can be very strong and can cause damage to the ligaments, muscles, facet joints, discs, and spinal nerves. Rear-end auto accident victims should get an x-ray as soon as possible to rule out the possibility of a fracture. Whiplash symptoms may begin immediately or several days after an accident, and include:
• Headaches
• Pain in the shoulders
• Pain between the shoulder blades
• Pain in one or both arms
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Vision problems
• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
• Poor concentration or memory
• Neck pain/stiffness
• Tight and/or sore muscles
• Tenderness in the muscles
• Low back pain
• Sleep disturbance
If you are suffering from a whiplash injury, you may be referred to an orthopedist, physical therapist, neurologist, or chiropractor. Treatment can include immobilization of the neck with a brace or cervical collar, cervical traction, range-of-motion exercises and physical therapy, medications and massage therapy. Recovery can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. Some serious whiplash injuries can take a year or more to treat and can even result in long term chronic pain.
While a whiplash injury may seem minor, if left untreated it can lead to serious problems. If you have been involved in a rear-end auto accident or are experiencing whiplash due to the negligence of someone else seek medical attention as soon as possible. The Law Office of Aaron A. Farmer, LC, is committed to providing aggressive personal representation to Missouri injury victims. If you have suffered a whiplash injury in a Missouri rear-end auto collision, you deserve the personal attention of an experienced Missouri injury lawyer. Contact the Law Office of Aaron A. Farmer, LC, to schedule a free consultation to learn what your rights are as an injury victim. The Law Office of Aaron A. Farmer, LC, is based in St. Louis, Missouri, and provides aggressive personal representation throughout the state of Missouri.
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