Whiplash from Car Accident Injuries

Whiplash is the classic neck injury most commonly caused by automobile accidents. It results from the immense stress that affects the neck when the head is pulled forward and yanked backwards. This happens because the head’s weight is considerable compared to the size of the muscles used to control it; when the head is violently whipped, the neck’s muscles are inadequate to support the sudden movement. Some typical results of a whiplash injury include ligament damage, pinched nerves, muscle tearing, spasms and back problems.

Whiplash can become a painful, chronic problem if left untreated. Unfortunately, many people make the grave error of judging their type of bodily injury by the amount of impact force or car damage. Multiple variables determine the amount of pain one experiences in a car accident, including angle and speed of impact, use of safety belts, and head position. Likewise, it’s a common myth that whiplash and other injuries can only occur as a result of high-speed auto accidents. In reality, many people experience symptoms after minor accidents; they may occur at the time of accident or even weeks or months later.

Whiplash can cause many problems including painful headaches, muscle spasms, pain in the shoulders, dizziness, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), arm pain and tingling, insomnia, neck pain, and depression. Another common problem associated with whiplash is misaligned vertebrae in the neck. If left untreated, these vertebrae will remain misaligned; this may cause chronic neck pain, loss of motion, headaches and arthritis in the future. If you experience chronic neck pain, you may consider consulting a neck pain doctor.

A Canadian study published in 1998 looked at approximately 10,000 people with neck injuries. It concluded that remedies and chiropractic treatment are necessary for recovery from whiplash. It also determined that “accepted” treatments like muscle relaxers, neck collars, and immobilization were not helpful for whiplash victims. However, serious injury to the neck and skull could result in more debilitating injuries and require the aid of a Los Angeles neurologist.

Tags: back pain, back pain doctor, car accident, car accident lawyer, Los Angeles, Los Angeles neurological injury lawyer, Los Angeles neurologist, Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, neck pain, neck pain doctor, neurological injury lawyer, neurologist, pain, pain management, personal injury, personal injury lawyer, whiplash