Long term whiplash injuries

If you are unfortunate to suffer a whiplash-type injury in an accident that was not your fault, you might think you can at least take some comfort in the knowledge that most whiplash injuries heal within 3 or 4 months from the date of the accident.

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Unfortunately, a small number of people who suffer a whiplash-type injury find that their injuries do not resolve within 3 months and that they go on for months or even years longer.

At a rough estimate, based on studies into the effects of long term whiplash injuries, 1 year after an accident somewhere between 5 and 10% of people still experience some pain and discomfort related to their injury. Out of these people, some may go on to develop a chronic pain condition, which can have a devastating impact on their lives and their quality of life.

Diagnosing a long term whiplash injury

If you are still suffering from the symptoms of whiplash (headaches and neck pain) 3 months after an accident, you might be suffering from a long term whiplash injury. A long term whiplash injury, or as it is sometimes known, Late Whiplash Syndrome can be difficult to diagnose, but techniques including CT and MRI scans can be used to see in great detail any damaged areas in the neck.

In some cases where a person is in very severe pain, a procedure known as a discography may help to pinpoint the area causing the pain. This procedure involves an injection of anaesthetic into the joint between two of the bones in the neck. A discography can help to pinpoint the precise location of the pain, so that treatment can be focused on this area.

Treating a long term whiplash injury

Treatments for long term pain, such as a long term whiplash injury involve treating both the underlying pain and also looking at the lifestyle of the patient. This approach aims not only to treat physical symptoms, but also to help people to get on with their life. Nowadays, treatment for conditions like whiplash emphasises the importance of keeping the affected area mobile, rather than using a neck collar or brace as might have been used in 10 or 20 years ago.

The thinking behind current treatments for whiplash injuries is that by encouraging the person to move around as much as possible, and to continue with their normal daily routine ( such as going to work and driving), a faster recover is possible. Moderate exercise of the neck joints over the course of the day, whilst avoiding more strenuous activities that might worsen the injury, is thought to encourage the body's repair mechanism. A post accident exercise programme might be put together for you by a qualified physical therapist on the recommendation of your doctor.

Claiming compensation for a long term whiplash injury

At Camps Solicitors, every year, we deal with hundreds of cases of people who have been involved in accidents where they have suffered whiplash injuries. As well as recovering compensation for their injuries, we provide free physiotherapy treatment to all our clients if they will benefit from it to shorten the time they take to fully recover. We also help them to claim back the costs of any medical treatments that are recommended by an independent medical expert.

For more information about making a No-Win No-Fee whiplash compensation claim, call Camps Solicitors today on 0800 092 8586.