Whiplash neck injuries are among the fastest growing health problems today. Congestion of our streets and highways, the speeds that we are now traveling, and more powerful engines and breaking systems, all contribute to this increase.

A whiplash neck injury occurs as a result of a sudden backward and forward “whipping” movement of the neck (thus the name, whiplash). This movement stretches or sprains the ligaments and muscles which hold the spinal segments of your neck. Failure of the holding ligaments to support the spine allows the spinal segments to become displaced.

Whiplash is so common in car accidents because your head and neck go unsupported and do not accelerate as quickly as the body does. Almost every person involved in a moving vehicle accident suffers a whiplash injury to some degree. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that 84% of all neck injuries are classified as soft tissue injuries.

Although vehicular accidents are the most common cause of whiplash, a blow to the head, face, or chin, uncontrollable episodes of coughing or falls can also cause these injuries.

The effects of whiplash are not usually felt immediately following an accident and may go undiagnosed. It will likely be a few days before the pain will become present and your movement is limited. At this time, the neck is stiff with inflammation and spasms are occurring. Pain can also be felt in the shoulders and arms. Tingling of the fingers and headaches are common complaints with this type of injury.

Symptoms to watch for if you think you may have whiplash include:

• Headache
• Neck pain
• Restricted movement
• Tiredness and feelings of nervousness
• Trouble with balance / equilibrium
• Ringing in the ears
• Nausea
• Inability to sleep
• Excessive sweating
• Numbness in extremities
• Inability to concentrate and/or memory loss

Those who choose to self-diagnose whiplash and try to correct the problem themselves, without a doctor’s supervision, will likely end up with permanent injuries and chronic problems that last a lifetime. If such an injury is left untreated it can result in a number of health problems and chronic pain. Traumatic arthritis is one of those problems. Other complications include nerve root compression, neuritis of the neck, shoulder, and arm, extreme nervousness, fatigue, and even susceptibility to further disc injuries from jolts and shocks.

You should consult a physician immediately. Treatment and diagnosis of whiplash include chiropractic or medical evaluation, an MRI, and physical and massage therapy. Unfortunately, not all neck injuries, especially whiplash because it is a soft tissue injury, can be seen with x-rays, even if you are experiencing great pain. That is why your physician will likely prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants and/or certain exercises to see if your pain is lessened. A cervical collar or neck brace may also be required. In the worst-case scenario, neck surgery may be necessary.

The symptoms of whiplash usually subside in 2 to 4 weeks, but many victims experience pain for weeks, months or even years.

If you are suffering from whiplash because of the negligence of another, you may be entitled to compensatory damage for your injury and losses. Damages may include medical costs, lost income, future lost earnings, pain and suffering, mental anguish, and disability. Whiplash injuries require large treatment costs, so you should consult an attorney if you think that you are experiencing whiplash.

If you sustained a neck injury at work, Worker’s Compensation Laws are followed as written in your particular state. Generally, under these laws, it does not matter who was at fault and negligence is not considered.

The statute of limitations for a personal injury lawsuit is usually very short, which is why you should seek legal counsel as quickly as possible. Most attorneys will not charge a fee unless, and until, they successfully complete the case for you.