What is whiplash and how does a car accident cause it

Olivia asks: What is whiplash and how does a car accident cause it?

Perhaps you or you know someone who has experienced a nearly fatal car accident. Thankfully, nothing bad happened. Yet, you the notice stiffness of your neck and headaches originating from the base of your skull. You may have sustained whiplash.

Whiplash is a type of injury that one can sustain from the sudden force of the head thrusting forward, then backwards in a whip-like movement. This mechanism causes the muscles and ligaments of the neck to be stretched more than normal. The passengers of a car that is hit or has been hit from the front, side or back with such strong force can suffer from whiplash injury.

Pain and stiffness of the neck can be felt usually after or within the 24-hour period after the accident. Difficulty in turning or bending the neck can also be experienced. This pain can extend to the upper and lower part of your back. You may also experience dizziness and blurring of vision, coupled with headaches. Some may complain of difficulty in swallowing and an unusual sensation in the face. When these symptoms persist, especially if accompanied by difficulty in concentrating and irritability, you should seek medical advice.

The doctor will be able to determine whiplash injury after physical assessment and based on your subjective complaints. However, they may also ask for an x-ray to confirm if the neck pain is not related to any other injury. Upon confirmation, the following medications may be prescribed, depending on the severity of the symptoms:

1. Non-steroid anti-inflammatory medications. These medications are prescribed upon careful consideration of a patient’s history. It is vital that you consult the doctor before taking any of these medications for some NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) don’t go well for people with stomach ulcers, asthma and heart-related illnesses.
2. Analgesic. This is usually prescribed to control the pain. When this does not work, the doctor may prescribe stronger analgesics under controlled supervision.
3. Muscle relaxant. When the muscle is too stiff, it causes pain. When the individual is unable to relax, a muscle relaxant is usually prescribed.

In addition to these medications, you will also be advised to:

1. Gradually try to move your neck as much as possible. Exercise it by turning it to the left and right. Do this a couple of times a day.
2. Avoid using more than one pillow when sleeping. This forces the neck to bend forward and may only aggravate the pain come morning.
3. Ensure that you assume a good posture when working for hours on a computer. Try to sit upright without hunching the back.

When symptoms become severe, the doctor may prescribe physiotherapy. Note that whiplash can also be caused by roller coaster rides, horseback riding, contact sports and accidents from falling. Contact a Lawyer for more advice about whiplash and related injuries.