Law Offices Of Michael Pines

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What is “Whiplash” due to a Car Accident?

Many people injured in auto accidents who complain of back and neck pain are diagnosed as having suffered “Whiplash.” Whiplash is a strain or sprain of the Cervical (neck or upper) or Thoracic (middle) parts of the spine.  It is called “Whiplash” because a person’s body is thrown forwards and backwards during an automobile accident, much like the “crack of a whip.”  This injury is especially common in rear-end automobile accidents.  Whiplash symptoms may start immediately after the accident, but may take hours or even days to appear.  This could be due to having suffered a more serious injury to another part of your body or perhaps the person injured in the car accident is taking pain medication that may mask or cover up whiplash pain.

Why Automobile Accident Whiplash Injuries are often Confusing

One way to think about Whiplash is to compare a “sprained neck” to a sprained ankle.  We understand that if you sprain your ankle, it swells up and you may have bloody bruising underneath the skin.  However, an x-ray of a sprained ankle is usually “normal.”  But can you walk on a sprained ankle? And just because the x-ray is “normal,” does that mean you are in any less pain? A “normal” x-ray does not necessarily mean there are not other problems.  When you have a Whiplash injury, x-rays of your neck may be “normal,” but you may have other serious problems that require further testing later on (such as a MRI or CAT scan).

If you have been in an auto accident and think you may have whiplash, it is important to see a doctor for diagnosis, treatment and to rule out more serious injuries.  An injury may first appear as Whiplash but can be hiding more serious damage which can show up much later.   Whiplash may also be the beginning of more serious injuries down the road such as a herniated spinal cord disk.

Symptoms of Auto Accident Whiplash May Include:

• Neck and upper back pain
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Decreased range of movement
• Feeling of “pins and needles”
• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
• Concentration and memory disorders
• Blurred vision

The car accident attorneys at the Law Offices of Michael Pines have extensive experience with Whiplash injuries due to car accidents and will help you get the maximum financial recovery for your injuries, including money for your medical bills, loss of earnings, and pain and suffering.  Call our office 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-800-655-6585 for a FREE telephone or in-office consultation with an experienced Whiplash lawyer.

The medical content provided on this auto accident website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice.  The information on this website is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any illness, injury, or medical condition and is not a substitute for a healthcare provider’s consultation.  It is strongly recommended that you talk to your doctor if you think you may have suffered an injury or need treatment for any medical problem.  Never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. Your doctors and you are completely in charge of your medical treatment.