WHIPLASH NECK INJURY COMPENSATION CLAIMS
Whiplash neck injury is characterised by distressing symptoms that occur following damage to the discs, muscles, nerves or tendons. Otherwise known as acceleration/deceleration syndrome, it is occurs when the head is violently displaced followed by reflex contraction in the opposite direction causing swelling and inflammation resulting in painful muscle spasms. Whiplash neck injury symptoms may be present immediately after the accident or may develop gradually over hours, days, or weeks after the injury.
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Whiplash Neck Injury Treatment
Whiplash treatment may include the following :-
- pain medications such as analgesics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- muscle relaxants
- range of motion exercises and physical therapy
- immobilisation using a soft cervical collar
- physiotherapy
- use of ice, moist heat, ultrasound, exercise and electrical stimulation
- anaesthetic injections may help alleviate pain and tenderness
- cervical traction
- surgical intervention in severe cases to remove a disc with subsequent spinal fusion
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The New Approach To Treatment
The old fashioned way to treat whiplash neck injury was rest and immobilisation and as a result some people went to bed for weeks or used a collar for months however modern medical opinion is that rest is the worst possible treatment because :-
- muscles get stiff
- loss of physical fitness
- depression
- worsening of the pain
- difficulty getting going again
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Risk of Chronic Pain
Recent research has helped to identify people at risk of developing long term pain and disability as a result of whiplash neck injury and the early warning signs include :-
- belief of a serious injury and unable to accept reassurance
- belief that pain means a prospective disability
- fear of further damage and avoidance of any excercise
- avoidance of normal daily activity and continuous rest
- waiting for a cure just to happen with no attempt at self help
- unable to detect actual improvement over time
- depression and withdrawal as a result of the injury
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Stay Active
If the pain of whiplash neck injury is severe then it is advisable to rest for a few days and take a few days off work after seeking medical advice however the sooner mobility and activity return the better. It is sensible to strike a balance between being active and not putting too much strain on the neck until recovery. The basic rules are :-
- do not stay in one position for long
- move about to prevent stiffness
- move a little further and faster each day
- don't avoid doing things but modify the way they are done
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Maintain Momentum
Following a whiplash neck injury it is important to maintain the momentum in your life and do things to distract you from any pain and discomfort. It is important to get back to work as soon as possible as inactivity may cause the development of long term pain and disability
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Legal Advice
Our specialist personal injury solicitors deal with claims on a no win no fee basis. Compensation is paid in full with no deductions and you are not required to finance the claim in any respect. If you would like free advice just use the helpline or complete the contact form and a member of the Law Society panel of personal injury experts will speak to you on the telephone with no further obligation.
In the case of CICA claims terms will vary and in the case of MIB claims terms may vary.