Some of the most common whiplash injury questions are answered by the experts

Whiplash is a complex injury that leaves many sufferers bewildered and confused about what has actually happened to their body. In an attempt to clear up a few of the most common questions, we've consulted the experts in order to provide a brief and concise explanation of whiplash. And here's what we found out.

So what is whiplash and how is it caused?

Basically speaking, whiplash is the over-stretching of the muscles and ligaments in the neck, but can also affect the bones, discs and nerves.

It is usually caused by rear-end car accidents and is the combined result of the head being thrown back violently when the collision occurs, before being sent forwards when the brake is applied instinctively. It can sometimes be forced so far forward that the chin hits the chest. The damage can be done in less than a second and a collision at a speed as low as 8mph can be enough to cause a whiplash injury.

It is fairly uncommon for the bones in the neck to be damaged by whiplash and it is more likely that the muscles, ligaments and joints are affected. If the bones are damaged, however, the pain is likely to be more severe and recovery is liable to take longer.

How do I know if I'm suffering from whiplash?

The honest answer is you don't. Well, not always. You might just have a headache and not think it's worth getting it checked out by the doctor, but the symptoms of whiplash are not always felt immediately. Therefore, it really is worth making an appointment or popping down to A&E if you have been involved in any sort of road accident, even a minor one.

Fortunately, or unfortunately, depending which way you look at it, most people are aware of when they're suffering from a whiplash injury. In addition to the headache, some degree of neck pain or stiffness is usual and it is possible that full movement of the head is restricted.

Between 40 and 60 percent of whiplash sufferers experience pain in the lower back and this can be a sign that the discs or joints in this area have been damaged. Tingling and pain in the arms or shoulders can also be a sign that whiplash has taken hold and may be an indication that there is nerve damage.

There really is no sure-fire way of knowing whether or not you're suffering from whiplash so it is definitely worth consulting a medical professional if you've been involved in any sort of vehicle accident.

What happens if I am suffering from whiplash?

If the doctor finds that you do have whiplash there are a number of treatments that he might prescribe. With all but the most serious types of whiplash you are likely to be given a soft cervical collar to wear for a few days, orders to rest and medication to alleviate the pain.

The majority of people can expect their whiplash to clear up within two to four weeks, but it is possible that it may continue for longer. If this is the case, further treatments may include electrical stimulation or ultrasound to increase the blood circulation and reduce muscle spasms.

If the whiplash injury is still a problem after six to eight weeks, a doctor will probably decide that further X-rays and scans are necessary. This may reveal that the injury is taking so long to heal because the intervertebral discs in the spine have been damaged by the over-extension of the initial trauma. If this is the case it is likely that surgery will be required before a full recovery can be made.

Can I claim compensation for my whiplash?

If you received whiplash as the result of an accident that wasn't your fault then you could well be entitled to make a personal injury claim for compensation.

Here at Car Accident Advice Line we've years of experience of helping people win damages after non-fault road traffic accidents and our excellent success rate speaks for itself.

Our service is completely free and our personal injury solicitors will not charge you a single penny. They will even let you keep 100% of any compensation that is awarded. You can't say fairer than that.

So pick up the phone today, call us on 0808 143 43 42 and set your whiplash injury compensation claim in motion.