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Vehicle accidents: Whiplash can cause long-term health problems

Whiplash trauma results from the extreme stress put on the cervical spine during the lightning-quick motions of the head and neck upon the impact of a motor vehicle crash. Rear-end vehicle accidents are the cause of most crash-related whiplash injuries. Victims in Michigan and elsewhere might have long-term health problems after such high-impact rear-end accidents.

Whiplash typically causes neck pain that could cause tingling pins-and-needles sensations or mild to unbearable pain. The tingling and numbness can radiate down the arm and into the neck. Reduced motion and stiffness of the neck happen to some victims, and it could lead to headaches, upper back and shoulder pain with compromised stability of the neck.

Accompanying injuries could include concussion and radiculopathy, pinched nerves that radiate pain into the crash victim’s arm. During the neck and head’s whiplash motion, the brain can smash into the walls of the skull, and the trauma could cause reduced mental and physical abilities. Although this could be only temporary, in some cases, it could cause long-term problems that might impact on the victim’s quality of life.

Crash victims with whiplash-associated disorders, also called cervical acceleration-deceleration (CAD) syndrome, might be overwhelmed by the medical expenses and, in some cases, ongoing therapy. However, financial relief might be available through the Michigan civil justice system. If other parties’ negligence caused vehicle accidents, an experienced personal injury attorney could assist with ensuing legal proceedings to pursue damage recovery. Along with medical expenses, lost income and other financial losses, emotional damage such as pain and suffering can form a part of the documented claims filed for adjudication by the court.