What is Whiplash?

June 17, 2013  |  Adriel B. Villarreal

Popular media sometimes likes to portray whiplash as a “pretend” injury, something that unscrupulous people make up in order to get lots of money. In reality, whiplash could be a very serious injury.
During a car accident it is common for the head to be flung forward and back at unnatural speeds. The neck and back can sustain serious damage from this motion. Whiplash is literally a sprain or strain of the neck that damages the joints, discs, ligaments, and nerve roots in your back and neck.
The symptoms can take up to 24 hours to appear. This is normal, and it’s not a victim’s attempt to claim erroneous pain “after the fact.”
Symptoms can include headaches, neck pain, pain in the back, shoulders, and shoulder blades, numbness and pain in the arms, and dizziness. It can also impact your cognitive ability, causing a “brain fog” sensation that impacts both memory and concentration.
All of these symptoms can have a significant impact on your ability to function normally. They should not be ignored or dismissed.
These injuries do not show up on X-rays. Normally, it takes a CT scan or an MRI to detect it. Whiplash is one of the many injuries and complications that can occur after your first post-accident doctor visit. It is not the only complication that can occur days or weeks after an accident, and is one of the reasons why you should be absolutely certain that you understand the full extent of your accident-related medical problems before accepting any settlement from any insurance company.
If you’ve been injured in an accident, you may require legal help to get the money that you are entitled to. This money will help you pay for the care that you need! If you live in the Minneapolis area, consider calling BGS. We have over 60 years of combined experience, we offer free consultations, and we even come to you. Call us today!