Whiplash Not Just For Road Traffic Accidents
Because of the nature of the injuries involved, whiplash is most commonly associated with road traffic accidents. However, many people do not realise that there are a number of other situations that can result in the same condition.
Whiplash is the name given to damage caused to the soft tissue surrounding the neck and spine as the result of a sudden impact, usually from the rear. The force of the impact, which need not be at a high speed, causes the spine, upper body and neck to imitate the action of a whip; this action is what gives whiplash its name. Because the soft tissues are sent in opposing directions and at speeds that the body was not designed for, they can often be ripped, torn or stretched. In effect, the neck and spine are stretched beyond their usual capacity and, in addition to the damage to the soft tissue this can affect the delicate arrangement of the spinal vertebrae. However, the symptoms of whiplash are just not confined to the neck and spine.
Sufferers of whiplash can experience a variety of symptoms, including neck and back pain, dizziness, tingling or numbness in the fingers and toes and ringing in the ears. These symptoms tend to reveal themselves within 24 hours of an impact, although cases have been recorded where symptoms have not become manifest until weeks or even months later.
While many of us are careful, conscientious drivers, we do regularly put ourselves in other situations where whiplash is a possibility. Fairgrounds offer a variety of scenarios where rear-impacts or sudden jerks can impact upon the spine, such as dodgem cars and rollercoaster rides. Sports enthusiasts may not be aware of the potential for whiplash, yet those who regularly take part in contact sports, such as boxing and martial arts, are vulnerable to physical impacts of a forceful nature. In addition, sports such as rugby and football are well known for their tackles, which can imitate the action of a low-speed rear impact in a car.
In the event of any whiplash situation, medical attention should be sought as soon as possible. The best treatment for whiplash, as recommended by the British Journal of Orthopaedic Medicine, is chiropractic; sufferers have been found to benefit from periods of physiotherapy, massage and specially designed exercises. In addition, seeking medical attention quickly adds validity to any insurance claim; because of its subjective nature, whiplash is one of the most commonly faked or exaggerated injuries in the insurance industry.
Whatever the location of the impact, sufferers are advised to gather as much information as possible, such as photographs and the names and addresses of witnesses, to ensure that their claim runs as smoothly as possible. While it is impossible to avoid all the situations that could result in whiplash, it pays to be aware of the possibilities. Whiplash is a painful and often debilitating condition that can result in loss of earnings through absence from work. The fact that it may have resulted from a situation other than a car crash does not reduce the impact that the injury can have on someone's life.
About the Author:
We deal in a range of claims, including whiplash and compensation.
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