Can you get whiplash from falling?

by | May 3, 2019 | Slip And Fall Injuries

Have you slipped and fallen in Pennsylvania? A fall can lead to many types of injury, including tenderness or pain in your neck. Whiplash may be commonly associated with car crashes, but it is possible to suffer from it because of a fall, as well.

Whiplash is defined by Mayo Clinic as an injury resulting from the head and neck making a whip-like motion. This is often attributed to car crashes, especially if you were rear-ended. However, any activity that causes your neck to move back and forward forcefully and rapidly can lead to whiplash. This includes playing sports, physical assault or abuse, and slipping or falling.

In a fall, it is possible for you to catch yourself – or for someone else to catch you – before you hit the ground. The force of being stopped so suddenly can cause neck injuries, especially if you were falling from a height or were stopped very abruptly.

Whiplash from a stopped fall is usually on the milder side, fortunately. However, any signs of whiplash should be treated seriously and taken care of quickly. Whiplash may not get better on its own without treatment. Moreover, ignoring the symptoms or hoping they will go away or lessen with time may actually be causing more damage as you continue to overwork damaged muscles, nerves, and ligaments.

If you have recently fallen and think you may be suffering from whiplash because of it, there are several things you can do. The first is to see a doctor. The second is to seek an attorney for legal guidance if you plan to seek compensation.