What is Whiplash?
Statistically, the most common injury from an auto collision is “whiplash.” While the term is in common use, many people have a difficult time defining it.
“Whiplash” is a general term used to describe a motion injury to the upper body. The term “whip” references the sudden snapping forward or backward of the upper body because of external forces. As an example, a driver stopped at a red light is struck from behind. As the car is quickly jolted forward on impact, the driver’s upper body, from head down to lower back, momentarily snaps back into the seat/head rest and then quickly rebounds forward. In some cases the driver can receive a second jolt when the seat belt locks, quickly restraining and stopping the upper body as it rebounds forward. And this basic sequence can happen even on a low speed contact.
Recovering from Whiplash
Why does it hurt? The quick whipping action applied to the neck and back can cause stretching or microscopic tearing of ligaments or muscles, sometimes called “soft tissues” or “connective tissues.” Within hours to days after, the human body then undergoes a predictable “inflammatory response,” and the affected areas become painful, swollen and stiff. Whiplash is typically a non-surgical injury, with treatment traditionally consisting of rest, anti-inflammatory medication, heat or ice, and skilled therapy to reduce pain and inflammation and restore range of motion and strength.
Why do some people recover quickly from whiplash, while some do not? The average recovery time for whiplash injuries is around 12 weeks, as the tissues heal and return to their normal strength and flexibility. But remember this is an average, with some people recovering more quickly, and some taking much longer to fully recover. A certain percentage of whiplash victims can develop chronic problems at the injury site, with the connective tissues never returning to their old levels of pliability. This causes long-term issues with pain and recurrent re-injury.
Whiplash and Auto Accidents
A person’s physical mass, age, general body conditioning, and recuperative powers can all play a role in the degree of injury and length of recovery. Sometimes, the victim’s head position at impact can have a large influence on the degree of injury even from a low speed collision. Try this test. Looking straight ahead, slowly tilt your head back so your eyes look up to the ceiling. Notice the degree of flex in the neck in this position. Now returning to a normal head position, first turn your head to the left, as though looking out your driver’s window. In this position now try to tilt your head up as you did before. You will notice a significant limitation on how your neck flexes, and some noticeable discomfort as you tilt further. When your head is even slightly off center, the neck begins to lose ability to safely absorb impact forces. We have run this demonstration for trial juries and can see the moment when they understand how a modest impact can cause real injury to an unsuspecting victim.
If you have been in a traffic incident and suffered injury through no fault of your own, call Sussman & Simcox promptly to discuss the best path forward for your claim. Serving Gaithersburg, Rockville, Germantown, Silver Spring, Frederick, and all of Maryland.
