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Whiplash Injuries are Common after Car Accidents (Part A)

Even the smallest jolt in a car accident can result in whiplash injuries. Whether your car accident involved a tap to your rear bumper or a head-on collision, your neck is a sensitive spinal area that is very susceptible to whiplash. A medical professional can determine the extent of your injury, and a Chicago personal injury attorney can help you receive compensation to pay for your medical treatments and related expenses.

Definition and Causes of Whiplash Injuries

Whiplash is also known as neck sprain or neck strain and is an injury to the soft tissues of the neck. Whiplash injuries are caused by the sudden extension and flexion of the neck. This jerky back-and-forth motion is common in rear-end collisions. As with any sudden, unexpected motion, whiplash strains the muscles, ligaments and nerves of the neck.

Symptoms of Whiplash Injuries

The basic symptom of whiplash injuries is neck pain which can occur immediately following a car accident or appear hours or even days later. Other symptoms include:

• neck stiffness
• injuries to the muscles and ligaments
• headaches or dizziness (may also be symptoms of concussion)
• difficulties swallowing or chewing (indicating damage to the esophagus)
• abnormal burning or prickling from nerve damage
• shoulder pain
• upper back pain

In severe cases, whiplash injuries can damage the intervertebral joints, discs, ligaments, cervical muscles, and nerve roots also found within your neck.

Diagnosis of Whiplash Injuries

A medical professional can examine the circumstances of your car accident and perform X-rays on your head, neck and spine. Even though whiplash injuries are a soft tissue condition, they are often an indication that there could be more serious spinal damage.

It is important to never self-diagnose your injuries following a car accident. Instead, seek professional medical advice. What you may think is "just" a stiff neck and shoulders from a minor car accident could be a whiplash injury or more severe condition which can cause lasting complications.

Always seek treatment for any abnormal pain or feelings in your neck immediately after a car accident as they could indicate a whiplash injury. Once you have obtained proper medical care, you should also consider securing the help of a Chicago personal injury attorney to help file your personal injury claim.

Read on to find out more about whiplash injury treatment and how a Chicago personal injury attorney can help you fight for compensation for your injuries.

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