Whiplash is one of the most common injuries after a traffic collision. However, it should still be treated with the same severity as any other accident-related injury. If ignored, a whiplash could lead to further complications down the road.
Signs of Whiplash
Whiplash could be the underlying cause of your injury if you experience the following symptoms:
- stiffness and pain in your neck;
- a headache that begins at the base of your head;
- trouble turning your head to either side;
- sore muscles in your neck, shoulders, and/or upper back;
- a tingling sensation in your arms;
- constant fatigue;
- dizziness; and/or
- jaw pain.
While neck pain is the most common symptom of whiplash, it can take hours, days, or even weeks for this symptom and/or others to appear. That’s why it is important for you to seek medical attention immediately after you have been involved in a traffic collision.
Psychological Effects
If you ignore the signs of whiplash, you run the risk of damage to your mental health as well as your physical health.
Common mental issues include:
- depression;
- anxiety;
- insomnia; and/or
- a decrease in your ability to concentrate.
When you don’t address the pain associated with whiplash, it may worsen as the days go by. This worsening of pain and discomfort can negatively impact your mental and emotional wellbeing. You may not be able to sleep from the discomfort, which will ultimately lead to sleep deprivation issues.
Long-Term Effects of Untreated Whiplash
Untreated whiplash can lead to severe, sometimes chronic, health issues and pain. For example, if you suffer from an overextended or torn muscle and leave it to heal on its own, you run the risk of limiting the range of motion in your neck. This limitation can put added pressure on the shoulders, spine, neck, and head.
In addition, whiplash could evolve into:
- chronic soreness and neck pain;
- long-term mobility issues;
- vertigo;
- chronic headaches;
- vertebrae misalignment; and/or
- degenerative disc disease.
Don’t Wait! Seek Legal Counsel Today.
If you were in an accident that resulted in a whiplash injury, our personal injury attorney can represent your case.
For a legal consultation, call our firm at (916) 778-3228 or contact us online.