Whiplash Injury - Negligent Treatment

A whiplash injury is caused by a traumatic event that causes the head to move suddenly (whip) in one direction then recoil in the opposite direction. The most common cause is a road accident in which one vehicle is struck from behind by another. However, it can also occur when a car stops abruptly after striking a pole, wall, or another car and can also occur with a side impact. Significant damage to ligaments, discs and joints can occur even when the swings of extension and flexion are not excessive, but often the neck is forced to the extreme of normal range and beyond, even in crashes of low velocity.

The most common symptoms of whiplash are pain and stiffness in the neck, shoulders, head or the base of the skull. Most patients recover in a few weeks or, at most, a few months, as the strained and inflamed muscles and ligaments return to normal, but 15-20% develop chronic pain. In addition to neck pain there are many other symptoms associated with the whiplash syndrome such as sleep problems, poor concentration and memory, blurred vision, ringing in the ears, fatigue and depression.

Most patients destined to recover completely will have done so by 3 or 4 months after which the rate of recovery slows markedly. By two years essentially all patients have reached their maximum individual improvement. Persistent pain is usually due to injury to facet joints and/or intervertebral discs.

Treatment for whiplash includes painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, antidepressants and cervical collar (usually worn for 2 or 3 weeks) Exercises and physiotherapy are also often  advised and very occasionally, in severe cases, surgery may be necessary.

Contact us on 0800 054 6512 for more information.