“Whiplash” is the common name for neck sprain or strain, an injury that commonly results from car accidents—although other types of accidents can also cause whiplash injuries. Whiplash occurs when the head is “whipped” forcefully back and forth, putting more strain on the soft tissues of the neck than they are equipped to handle.

Common symptoms of whiplash include:

• Neck pain, which becomes worse with movement
• Stiffness or loss of range of motion in the neck
• Headaches, which may start at the base of the skull
• Dizziness or nausea
• Pain, numbness, or tingling in the shoulders or arms
• Problems with blurred vision or ringing in the ears
• Difficulty sleeping
• Problems with mood, memory, or concentration

One of the trickiest features of whiplash is that, unlike many other types of serious injuries, symptoms may not be instantly apparent. Many people with whiplash think they are uninjured at the scene of the accident, only to discover that their symptoms set in over the next several hours. The Mayo Clinic estimates that the symptoms of whiplash can take up to 24 hours to present fully.

As with other serious injuries, prompt treatment for whiplash is essential. Your doctor can prescribe certain medication to help ease the symptoms and give you instructions for rest, movement, and rehabilitation. A period of physical therapy treatments or other medical interventions may be required.

It’s also important to seek medical care because the symptoms of whiplash can overlap with the symptoms of other serious car accident injuries, such as a concussion. A doctor can help determine exactly what happened during the accident and prescribe appropriate treatments.

If you’ve been in a car accident and suffered whiplash or another serious injury as a result, don’t hesitate to contact an experienced Pittsburgh personal injury lawyer who can help you seek necessary compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses. To speak with Attorney Smith and setup a free initial consultation, please call (412) 567-9598 or fill out our online contact form.