If you are injured in a car accident in the St. Louis area, it is critical to get prompt medical attention, even if that only means getting checked out by a doctor. Too many victims make the mistake of ignoring pain or hoping things will get better when the reality is that pain often starts after the shock wears off. Serious damage, especially to the head and neck region can take hours or days to become apparent

A common injury that results from accidents is whiplash. Chiropractors, physical therapists, and other healthcare providers across St. Louis cite whiplash as one of their patients’ biggest complaints. Whiplash, also called neck sprain or neck strain, is an injury to the soft tissues in the neck and upper back. In whiplash, the joints between the cervical vertebrae, discs, ligaments, muscles and nerve roots may become damaged.

Those who most often suffer from whiplash are St. Louis drivers

Whiplash is caused by a violent jerking of the head and neck region. The weight of the head causes it to move forward and backward—hyperextension/hyperflexion—which can cause micro tears in the soft tissues or damage to the other structures of the upper body. Car accidents can cause serious whiplash injuries even after a relatively low-speed crash or fender bender. These occur in rear end or side-impact collisions.

Shock can mask symptoms

The shock or fight or flight response generated by the body in traumatic situations like crashes often hides the effects of any car crash, especially when there is no obvious bleeding or bruising. However, people who experience whiplash often develop symptoms within the first few days after the injury.

Whiplash will result in pain and sensitivity around the neck and, potentially, a loss in mobility. Sometimes, whiplash can cause pain down one or both arms, between the shoulder blades, around the face and even in the lower back. In rare cases, symptoms can include tingling in the arms, dizziness, ringing in the ears, fatigue, blurred vision, poor concentration, memory problems and insomnia.

 Whiplash and longterm effects

Most whiplash injuries will get better by themselves, or with a small amount of basic treatment. These symptoms can radiate into the arms and hands as well. More than 10% of whiplash victims have symptoms that last six months or more, with a small minority experiencing chronic pain or headaches for years following their accident. Unfortunately, these people may develop depression and other invisible symptoms, which can make it difficult for them to continue with normal daily activities leading to other health problems. 

Seek treatment and help promptly

Prompt medical treatment is important to healing. It is the best evidence of your injury as well, as jurors (and claims adjusters) will discount an injury claim that is not treated.

If you suffer from whiplash and losses resulting from that injury, The S.E. Farris Law Firm is on your side. We will advise you on your options and fight for you.