Whiplash
Whiplash is term that is typically used in reference to pain in the muscles, tendons, and ligaments of the neck. A whiplash injury occurs when the neck is forced outside of its usual range of motion – a process known as hyperextension. Because whiplash is not a medical term, it may also be referred to as a cervical sprain, cervical strain, or hyperextension injury.
What Causes Whiplash?
Although we most often associate whiplash with car accidents, it can also occur during other activities. Some unexpected sources of whiplash include the following:
- Contact sports
- Assault
- Blows to the head or objects falling on the head
- Child abuse, such as shaking babies
- Chronic neck strain, even from something as simple as holding your phone between your head and shoulder
- Diving
Clearly, whiplash can be a threat to just about anyone.
Symptoms of Whiplash
Whiplash injuries can range anywhere from minor to severe. Symptoms of neck overextension might arise immediately or shortly after impact, or they may not appear until hours after the injury occurred. Of course, the most obvious effect of whiplash is neck pain, but other symptoms can include any of the following:
- Swelling in the neck
- Headaches
- Stiffening of the neck so that it is hard to move your head around
- Muscle spasms throughout the sides and back of your neck
- Pain spreading from your neck into your shoulders and arms
If you have suffered whiplash as a result of another party’s negligence, then you have the right to pursue damages for your pain.
Contact Us
If you or someone you love has suffered whiplash or any other personal injury, contact Austin personal injury lawyer Vic Feazell at 877-948-4842 today.
