What is Whiplash? What is Traumatic Brain Injury?
The first documented case of whiplash was in 1919 when the motion of ‘whipping of the neck' from
getting hit in a rear end accident was coined the name whiplash.
getting hit in a rear end accident was coined the name whiplash.
A car accident can cause injuries to bones in the neck and back along with torn or over-extended ligaments, tendons and herniated discs. In modern cars, your head slams against the headrest when your body is pushed backwards in the collision. This force on your head may not leave any external injuries, but you may have suffered some internal head injuries, even injury to the brain (Mild Traumatic Brain Injury).
It’s common for people to seek treatment at the local E.R. or urgent care clinic. Most E.R. doctors don't have the training of study related to auto accident soft tissue and mTBI injuries. Their job is to stabilize and make sure your injuries are not life threatening. Most E.R. and urgent care physicians will not do a thorough exam and usually send you home with just painkillers and muscle relaxers. But then what?
It’s common for people to seek treatment at the local E.R. or urgent care clinic. Most E.R. doctors don't have the training of study related to auto accident soft tissue and mTBI injuries. Their job is to stabilize and make sure your injuries are not life threatening. Most E.R. and urgent care physicians will not do a thorough exam and usually send you home with just painkillers and muscle relaxers. But then what?
What Are Symptoms of Whiplash?
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Whiplash sometimes has a delay onset. This means, although you are injured, you don’t feel any pain right away. It could take a few days to weeks to set in.
You will suffer a stiff neck, and may have shooting pain through the shoulders and neck area. Pain may radiate in the arms and fingers. This may be due to a herniation of the cervical disc pressing on the nerve roots. At times this pain may be severe to moderate. Symptoms also may cause pain in the neck and shoulder area, which may subside and then become more painful. |
It is important to go see a qualified accident injury doctor as quickly as you can. If you are not injured its peace of mind, if you are, then Dr. Bracic will take a detailed history of your recent accident and past medical history to ensure you receive a comprehensive exam. This will reduce your healing time.
What Should I do to Recover?
Modern-day therapies you should consider include physiotherapy, exercise and chiropractic therapy.
How Long Will it Take Me to Recover?
Recovering from the symptoms of whiplash may take from several weeks, months or even years.
Studies have shown your mental state has an impact on recovering from whiplash.
Studies have shown your mental state has an impact on recovering from whiplash.
Why Should I See an Accident Injury Doctor vs. my Family Doctor?
When you have been in an accident you need a doctor who specializes in auto accidents.
They know how to accurately diagnose your injuries before initiating a treatment plan. Auto injuries generally tend to be soft tissue and hard tissue injuries. That means nothing is broken, but you are still in pain. This pain is caused by torn muscles and ligaments. Documentation of these injuries is very important for you and your lawyer. This documentation may include X-rays or the order of an MRI or CT scan to properly determine the extent of your injuries.
They know how to accurately diagnose your injuries before initiating a treatment plan. Auto injuries generally tend to be soft tissue and hard tissue injuries. That means nothing is broken, but you are still in pain. This pain is caused by torn muscles and ligaments. Documentation of these injuries is very important for you and your lawyer. This documentation may include X-rays or the order of an MRI or CT scan to properly determine the extent of your injuries.
What is Documentation of Injury?
Documentation of an injury is medical records, doctor’s notes and X-rays. Without proper documentation of your injury, you might not get the maximum settlement you deserve, if one at all. Your lawyer will use this documentation to prove your injury. Poor or improper documentation may dramatically devalue your personal injury case. This is why you need a qualified accident injury doctor like Dr. Bracic who has extensive experience in documenting injury cases.