WHIPLASH SYMPTOMS FOLLOWING AN ACCIDENT
Whiplash symptoms typically appear within 24 hours of injury although it is not unusual for the effects to take days or occasionally weeks to become evident. This condition is most commonly associated with a car that is struck form behind or side impact or collision with another vehicle. When the head is jerked back and forth in the impact, the muscles and ligaments in the neck can be over-stretched or torn. The discs between the vertebrae can bulge, tear or rupture. Vertebrae can be forced out of their normal position and the spinal cord and nerve roots can become stretched or irritated. The multitude of potential physical damage elements can cause a wide range of whiplash symptoms
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Injuries Vary
Injuries vary because there are so many things that change from one accident to another including the direction the person was facing, their age, the amount of warning or state of preparedness, the health of their bones, muscles, ligaments and discs, the direction of impact and the speeds involved. Unfortunately wearing a seat-belt has little effect on preventing or reducing whiplash symptoms however headrests may offer some protection and often assist in reducing injury.
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Major Symptoms
Most people who suffer from this injury have painful whiplash symptoms that may include :-
- headache caused by muscle tension and pressure on the nerves
- shoulder pain radiating down the back of the neck into the shoulder blade area
- burning pain, prickling or tingling caused by muscle tears
- sharp neck pain often radiating into the arms, hand and fingers
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Minor Symptoms
Other less serious whiplash symptoms include :-
- neck pain or stiffness
- blurred vision
- difficulty swallowing
- irritability, fatigue & dizziness
- pain between the shoulder blades
- pain in the arms or legs
- headache, nausea & vertigo
- low back pain & shoulder pain
- ringing in the ears
- numbness and tingling
- pain in the jaw or face
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Delayed Effects
Whiplash symptoms may be delayed in their onset especially if the person who suffered from the effects of the whiplash was unaware of any injury at the time of the accident. Even a slight jolt to the neck can result in problems becoming apparent at a later date as a result of damage to vital nerves, muscles, and blood vessels that are located in the neck. A normal neck can withstand a forward motion of 50 times the force of gravity before producing an injury, however only 5 times the force of gravity can be tolerated for a backward rebound motion. It is quite common for there to be no discomfort immediately after an accident but if the vertebrae are misaligned after a jolt, it may take some time before the irritation of the nerves caused by the misalignment becomes severe enough to produce whiplash symptoms.
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If you would like free advice just use the helpline or complete the contact form and a solicitor who is 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.