First of all, what is whiplash? Whiplash is an injury sustained as a result of the neck moving backwards, forwards and sideways vigorously. The muscles, ligaments and tendons in the neck cannot cope with such forces, and get stretched and strained. Whiplash commonly affects the neck, but it can also affect the shoulders. The main cause of whiplash is through a road traffic accident, but a collision doesn’t necessarily have to take place – sharp braking can also exert enough force to cause whiplash. Slips, trips and falls can also cause whiplash.
Moderate whiplash – what is it?
Moderate whiplash is usually graded 2-3 on the whiplash scale of 1-4. People with moderate whiplash are usually significantly restricted in their upper body movement, due to constant pain and stiffness. This can last for upwards of six months. Medically speaking, moderate whiplash will have obvious signs of musculoskeletal damage and potential symptoms of neurological damage, such as nerve root damage. While it is rare for moderate whiplash to require surgery, there are some cases that this may benefit recovery.
Moderate whiplash – prognosis for the future
Somebody who has suffered moderate whiplash will also be at greater risk of future injuries because quite usually ligaments do not regain their normal tensile strength. In the case of nerve damage, people can also suffer from fits of pain that come and go. All of which is to say that the prognosis for the future after suffering moderate whiplash can be grim, but all in all most people make a full recovery within 12 months with proper medical care and any future fits of pain can usually be dealt with by over-the-counter pain killers.
Moderate whiplash – treatment
The treatment for moderate whiplash may involve physiotherapy and extensive periods of rest, to allow the muscles, ligaments and tendons in the neck to heal. Victims will also require pain killers around the clock, to cope with discomfort. In some cases of moderate whiplash such as cases with spinal cord damage or nerve damage that won’t heal by itself, surgery may be required. This will be offered within a week of your accident.
Moderate whiplash – making a claim
Because the symptoms of moderate whiplash are obvious, gaining medical evidence to support a claim is relatively easy. Therefore, making a claim for moderate whiplash will most likely have a positive outcome. A law firm that specialises in whiplash claims like accident advice helpline will be able to help you make your claim. You can call their experienced claims advisors on 0800 689 0500 or from your mobile on 0333 500 0993. They will help you understand your rights and put you in touch with a relevant, experienced whiplash solicitor.