WHIPLASH AND SPINAL CORD INJURY

Law Offices of Capp and Marsh-(888) 558 6275

Whiplash Injury

Whiplash injury is caused by a sudden, moderate to severe strain which affects the bones, discs, muscles, nerves, or tendons of the neck.  Most occur as a result of a motor accident, an accident at work or impact involving contact sports. The injury results when unexpected force suddenly jerks the head backwards and then in a reflex reaction forwards whereupon the bones of the neck move slightly out of position, the muscles and tendons may become torn or stretched causing irritated nerves which can interfere with flow of blood and transmission of nerve impulses.

Diagnosis

is based on observation of the patient's symptoms, consideration of the medical history, physical examination, and neurological difficulties to determine whether the neck and spine has been injured. The symptoms of whiplash may appear immediately following the accident or they may not develop until hours, days, or weeks after the injury occurs and may commonly include;
Headaches
Neck pain
Dizziness
Pain or stiffness in the neck, jaw, shoulders, or arm
Blurred vision
Pain, pins and needles, numbness or muscle spasm in the shoulder, hands or arm
Reduced ability to turn and bend
Nausea and vomiting
Low back problems
When a person injures their spinal cord it is devastating. Problems related to a spinal cord injury can have effects not only on the person’s health, but also on their ability to earn a living, to perform everyday tasks and to be independent in their lives. This can be extremely stressful financially and emotionally to the injured persons and their families.

Spinal Cord Injury


Spinal cord injury (SCI) occurs when a traumatic event results in damage to cells within the spinal cord or severs the nerve tracts that relay signals up and down the spinal cord. The most common types of SCI include contusion (bruising of the spinal cord) and compression (caused by pressure on the spinal cord). Other types of injuries include lacerations (severing or tearing of some nerve fibers, such as damage caused by a gun shot wound), and central cord syndrome (specific damage to the corticospinal tracts of the cervical region of the spinal cord). Severe SCI often causes paralysis (loss of control over voluntary movement and muscles of the body) and loss of sensation and reflex function below the point of injury, including autonomic activity such as breathing and other activities such as bowel and bladder control. Other symptoms such as pain or sensitivity to stimuli, muscle spasms, and sexual dysfunction may develop over time. SCI patients are also prone to develop secondary medical problems, such as bladder infections, lung infections, and bed sores.

Spinal Cord injuries often occur as a result of car accidents, falls, or construction workplace accidents. They can even occur as a result of a delay in diagnosing spinal cord disease, injury or growth.

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