The neck muscles are actually surprisingly powerful; they are responsible for holding up to ten or twelve pounds for much of our lives. When this large weight atop our necks is subject to fast acceleration or deceleration, as in a car accident, our neck muscles must keep the head stable in order to protect the brain. However, when the neck is pushed beyond its normal range of motion, the neck muscles can be stretched or even torn, resulting in whiplash.

Causes and Symptoms of Whiplash

Whiplash most commonly occurs during automobile accidents; when a car is struck, rapid deceleration occurs causing the head to whip forward and back. However, it can also occur in sports-related injuries, such as during football or boxing. When the head comes into contact with the ground or another object, it may whip forward and back, or a significant bodily impact may also subject the head to acceleration.

The symptoms of whiplash typically include swelling, tenderness and pain, and can often cause shooting pains and muscle spasms. These symptoms can take hours, and sometimes even days to develop, but the faster the symptoms begin, the greater the chance is that significant structural damage has occurred.

Contact Us

If you or a loved one has suffered whiplash in a car crash or other preventable accident, contact Cincinnati personal injury lawyer Shawn M. Stepleton at 513-321-7733, and we can immediately evaluate your case.