Whiplash is a non-medical term for neck injuries that often happen as a result of a car accident. The symptoms might not appear right away. You might be rear-ended and feel fine for a week or so until the pain starts.

The reason you want to diagnose the problem as soon as possible is that early treatment can prevent long-term problems. There is condition known as whiplash syndrome, which is a more problematic issue that involves chronic pain.

You Don't Have To Have Had A Car Accident

Whiplash is not limited to people who were involved in car accidents. Originally, the concept was associated with train accidents. Later on, as more people began to ride in automobiles, it became more common to suffer whiplash after a car accident.

However, its not just trains and cars that cause whiplash. You might have been on a roller coaster, or bumper car, or other amusement park ride.

Any sharp, sudden stop that sends your neck forward can potentially cause whiplash.

What Are The Symptoms?

One of the problems in diagnosing whiplash is that there are many symptoms, and not all are related to the neck. Sometimes the symptoms are not even physical, they are mental.

Here is a breakdown of the symptoms.

Physical Symptoms of Whiplash

The most obvious sign of whiplash is neck pain. The pain can also radiate to the upper back and shoulders.

Additionally, headaches and upper back pain are common issues.

There are also some symptoms that you might normally associate with whiplash. These include numbness and/or pain in the arms, vertigo, and nausea.

Mental Symptoms of Whiplash

Whiplash also causes non-physical problems. You might notice that it is difficult to focus on things after an accident. Well, this is one of the symptoms of whiplash. Many of the cognitive related symptoms should be especially concerning as they are symptomatic of whiplash syndrome, a serious issue. Other emotional symptoms might include an inability to maintain a normal sleep schedule and emotional outbursts.

See A Physician

If you've been in an accident or have ridden a amusement ride and find that you're exhibiting any of the symptoms described above, then you should go to a doctor. If you find that you do have whiplash, then you can contact a lawyer from a firm like The Best and Westover .

Often times the rehab and medication for whiplash is expensive. In order to help pay for this a lawyer will determine if there is liability somewhere: whether it lies with the other driver, your insurance company, the railroad or the amusement park, etc…

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