Whiplash is one of the most common soft tissue injuries suffered by those involved in car accidents. Unfortunately, this potentially severe injury is often brushed aside as minor. If you believe you have sustained a whiplash injury, seek medical attention as soon as possible to receive treatment that can help prevent the chances of long-term damage.
What is Whiplash?
Whiplash injuries occur when the muscles in a person’s neck are strained as a result of a rapid back and forth movement, which causes the delicate tendons and ligaments in the neck to stretch and tear.
In addition to car accidents, other common causes of whiplash include:
- Physical abuse
- Contact sports
- Horseback riding
- Cycling accidents
- Falls
- Blows to the head
The recovery time for whiplash can range anywhere from a few days to several weeks. In most cases, individuals are able to recover in about three months. If whiplash symptoms linger for longer than six months, it becomes a chronic condition that will require long-term treatment and, depending on the severity of the injury, it is possible the symptoms could last for many years to come.
Common symptoms of whiplash include:
- Neck pain
- Headaches originating at the base of the skull
- Dizziness
- Blurry vision
- Constant fatigue
- Ringing in ears
- Chronic pain in the shoulders, neck, and head
- Difficulty sleeping
If your symptoms spread to your arms or you begin experiencing numbness or weakness in your arms, you must follow up with your doctor immediately.
Compassionate Personal Injury Attorneys in Wichita
If you or a loved one sustained injuries in an accident, you might be facing expensive medical bills, lost wages, or time off work. This can be overwhelming, but you should not have to bear this burden. At Hutton & Hutton, our Wichita personal injury attorneys have successfully obtained over $400 million in compensation for our clients and would be honored to represent you.
Contact our office today at (316) 688-1166 to schedule a free consultation with a knowledgeable member of our legal team.