Whiplash is caused by a sudden, moderate to severe strain which affects the bones, discs, muscles, nerves or tendons of the neck.
There are estimated to be over 100,000 such injuries in the UK every year and most occur as a result of a motor accident, an accident at work or impact involving contact sports.
The injury results when unexpected force suddenly jerks the head backwards and then forwards whereupon the bones of the neck move slightly out of position, the muscles and tendons may become torn or stretched causing irritated nerves.
Why claim?
Your injury may be more serious than you think at the moment. Often there can be a delay of a few days or injuries can recur or get worse. If you do not lodge a claim within 3 years of the accident you may lose the right to receive any compensation in the future. Compensation can vary from a few hundred pounds to several thousand depending on the medical evidence.
Diagnosis of Whiplash
This is based on observation of the patient’s symptoms, consideration of the medical history, physical examination to determine whether the neck and spine has been injured. The symptoms of whiplash may appear immediately following the accident or they may not develop until hours, days or weeks after the injury occurs and may commonly include some or all of the following:-
- Headaches/dizziness.
- Pain or stiffness in the neck, jaw, shoulder or arm.
- Blurred vision.
- Pain, pins and needles, numbness or muscle spasm in the shoulder, hands or arm.
- Reduced ability to turn and bend.
- Nausea and sometimes vomiting
- Low back problems.
Whiplash injury Risk Factors:
- Occupants who are aware of an impending rear and crash generally have less severe injuries.
- There is usually a direct relationship between the extent of damage to the vehicle and the risk of injury but this is far from absolute.
- Looking towards the side or down may increase the risk of facet joint injury.
- The incidence of serious head injury is significantly reduced if a seatbelt is worn although studies have found that they increase the risk of minor and moderate neck injuries.
- In the proper position, headrests will reduce injury.
- Side collisions produce more severe injuries than rear end shunts.
- Immediate server symptoms are likely to indicate a bone or joint or neurological injury.
The Facts
- Whiplash injury is usually not serious and permanent damage is rare.
- Only a small percentage or people will suffer long term residual symptoms.
- Any serious injury is normally noticed at the time of, or immediately after the accident.
- Pain which develops hours or days after the accident usually indicates that the neck is not seriously injured.
- Lower back injury is rarely serious.
- Serious back pain usually improves within a few days but general aches and pains can last up to 18 months or more.
