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What is whiplash?

Whiplash is the term used to describe the motion of the head and neck when the body is subjected to a sudden jolt. This motion can cause damage to both muscle tissue and in severe cases, the spinal vertebrae and the nerve tissues within it.

This injury is commonly associated with road accident collisions where the vehicles are brought suddenly to halt due to the impact of one or more vehicles. If the driver and passengers are wearing their seatbelts their bodies will be restrained, but their heads will not, and so they will be thrown violently backwards and forwards in the classic 'whiplash' motion.

At the moment of impact

Assume for a moment that someone is in a stationary vehicle and they are struck from behind by another vehicle. The car will be suddenly shunted forward causing the head of it's occupant to be whipped backwards. This causes 'hyperextension' of the front neck muscles and ligaments, which means that they are extended beyond their normal, comfortable and safe range of movement.

The occupants head will then whip forwards when their vehicle stops moving causing hyperextension once again, but this time to those at the back of the neck.

Physical injuries resulting from whiplash

The type and severity of the injury will generally depend on the speed of impact and the extent of the hyperextension - for example whether or not the occupant had a correctly adjusted head rest.

A mild whiplash injury may result in soreness and stiffness of the neck which appears over the hours or days following the collision. This typically go's away in 3 to 4 weeks with little or no treatment except for rest and a prescription for strong pain killers.

More severe damage may involve one or more of the conditions below.

Headaches and sleeplessness

Damage to the neck vertebrae, such as a fracture

Torn ligaments in the neck

Damaged or 'herniated' discs. This can cause a sharp neck pain and/or tingling sensations in the limbs due to pressure on nerves in the spine

Depending on their severity, the above conditions can in some cases cause pain and discomfort that lasts for months or even years following the accident.

Psychlogical effects of a whiplash injury

The prolonged pain and discomfort of a severe whiplash injury combined with the stress and trauma of the accident itself can have long term effects on the sufferer's mental health.

They may suffer from a number associated mental health problems such as depression, sleeplessness and 'flashbacks' - also known as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

These issues can persist long after the physical issues have been resolved.

If you have sustained a whiplash injury or any injury following a road accident that was not your fault, you may be able to claim compensation. You can either claim online using the button below or call us now on 0845 676 0615 for help and advice from one of our experienced claims advisors.

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