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Some individuals who sustain injuries in automobile collisions suffer a cervical spine injury commonly known as whiplash. According to the Mayo Clinic, whiplash is a neck injury that is typically caused by rapid, forceful back-and-forth neck movement. Such injuries usually happen as a result of a rear-end collision, sports-related incidents and other trauma.

Cervical spine injuries like whiplash are often ignored because many people do not believe it to be serious. Nevertheless, it is important for individuals to know and understand the symptoms and general nature of such injuries in order to ensure they obtain proper treatment. Patient.info notes there are two types of whiplash injuries: cervical hyperextension injuries and rapid deceleration injuries.

Cervical hyperextension injuries are the typical injuries associated with vehicle drivers and passengers who are struck from behind. Simply stated, the body is thrust forward while the head lags behind, thus resulting in neck hyperextension.

Rapid deceleration injuries thrust the head forward, flexing the cervical spine. The forward movement of the head may cause neurological damage and hyperextension may take place in the subsequent recoil.

The Symptoms Associated With Whiplash

The Mayo Clinic notes there are any number of symptoms associated with whiplash, including pain in the arms and shoulders, headaches, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, back pain and muscle spasms and even difficulty with sleeping. Such symptoms usually appear shortly after the accident occurs (often within 24 hours of the incident).

It is imperative for accident victims to seek medical assistance right away if they experience any type of neck pain or related symptoms after a traumatic injury. Doing so can help lead to a proper and prompt diagnosis of the problem and rule out various forms of tissue damage and/or fractures that might be contributing to the symptoms being experienced by the victim.

The Diagnosis

Whiplash-related disorders are generally classified by the severity of signs and symptoms. For example, according to Patient.info, those with Grade 0 disorders have no complaints or physical signs, while someone with a Grade 4 disorder typically experience neck complaints and dislocation and/or fracture issues, with cervical spine fractures taking place mainly at two levels.

Cervical spine x-rays are generally used to investigate claims of whiplash-related disorders, and depending on the nature and extent of the injury, CT scanning, MRI scanning and myelography may be used. Depending on the diagnosis, the injured individual may have several treatment options ranging from physical therapy/exercise and cervical traction to surgery for a cervical herniated disc.

What Should You Do After an Accident Involving a Whiplash-Related Injury?

Of course, Fort Myers personal injury lawyers like Randall Spivey want you to seek medical attention as soon as possible after an accident takes place. Once your medical needs have been taken care of, you are encouraged to speak with an attorney about your legal rights and options. Also, be sure to keep track of all accident-related medical expenses, including related treatment and rehab. Such expenses can also include lost wages, mileage and insurance co-pays.

Whiplash injuries can be serious. That said, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. today to ensure you obtain just compensation for your injuries.