Getting into an accident puts drivers and passengers at risk for suffering from a neck injury such as whiplash, especially if the accident was a rear-end collision. If you or someone you know was in a car accident and is suffering any of the symptoms of whiplash, our attorneys at Escandon, Fernicola, Anderson & Covelli understand that you may have questions about the injury and who is potentially responsible for it.
According to WebMD, some of the most common symptoms associated with whiplash injuries that you may experience are:
- Lower lumbar pain
- Discomfort or stiffness in the neck
- Feeling faint or dizzy
- Headaches
- Soreness in the shoulders and upper back
Whiplash may also cause other, less obvious, problems. If you feel excessively tired or are experiencing memory loss, those too may be signs that you are suffering from whiplash.
As with other types of injuries that are typically sustained in a car accident, the symptoms of whiplash may not manifest until days, weeks or even months after an accident occurs. Since these kinds of injuries often result in damage to soft tissue, your doctor should request an MRI or CT scan. If the damage to your neck or back is not too severe, a combination of rest, ice, heat and over-the-counter pain medicine may suffice. If your injuries are more serious, your doctor may prescribe massage or physical therapy.
Even though some of these indications may be delayed in showing up, they can still greatly interfere with your life. Back and neck pain can affect your ability to work and participate in your normal activities. In some cases, your injury may even cause you to rack up hefty medical bills. For more information on accident injuries to the back and neck, please visit our web page.