Whiplash From an Arizona Motor Vehicle Accident?

Motor vehicle accidents are the most common cause of whiplash, an injury to the soft tissue of the neck. But automobile accidents are not the only cause of these types of injuries. Whiplash can occur following any forceful movement of the neck. Individuals have been diagnosed with whiplash after falls, sports-related injuries and other types of trauma that cause the neck to move abnormally.

Neck injuries are serious. Symptoms of a whiplash injury commonly include localized pain in the area, swelling of the tissue around the neck and headaches. Anyone who experiences a whiplash-like injury should be examined by a doctor to determine whether the injury involves the soft tissue or skeletal structure of the neck. Doctors often prescribe pain medication, ice and rest to alleviate the symptoms.

Arizona spine and neck attorneys have worked with clients who've suffered the aftereffects of a whiplash injury to the head and neck for months and even years following the date of injury. Many patients are urged to attend physical therapy sessions, up to three to four times per week, to regain range of motion and strength in the muscles and soft tissue surrounding the neck that was damaged by the injury.

Not only are physical therapy sessions and treatment costly and time consuming, but a whiplash injury can interfere with an individual's ability to work and even to accomplish day to day tasks. Medical insurance often covers the medical treatment and therapy sessions, but the economic loss from an individual not being able to work can take its toll on a family.

For all of these reasons, a whiplash injury can be debilitating. Tuscon personal injury attorneys work with individuals who have suffered and are suffering from a whiplash injury find the compensation they need to recover from this type of soft tissue neck injury.

Source: Mayo Clinic, "Whiplash"