Car accidents have been known to lead to many different injuries, leading to potential medical expenses, pain and suffering for victims. One of the most common injuries is whiplash, which results from sudden which results from the sudden jerking of the head and neck, often experienced in rear-end collisions.
While it is seemingly one of the mildest types of injuries, untreated whiplash can have lasting consequences that worsen over time.
What are the long-term complications of untreated whiplash?
Left untreated, whiplash injury can lead to various long-term complications that can affect both physical and mental well-being. The long-term effects of untreated whiplash include:
- Chronic pain, stiffness in the neck and shoulders: Persistent discomfort and reduced flexibility can make everyday tasks difficult.
- Dizziness and balance issues: Damage to neck structures can affect balance, leading to frequent dizziness.
- Upper or lower back pain: Pain may spread to other areas of the spine due to muscle imbalances and compensation.
- Severe, chronic headaches: Tension and nerve irritation from neck injuries can trigger intense, recurring headaches.
- Jaw pain or difficulty with chewing, swallowing or speaking: Tension from whiplash may affect the jaw muscles, causing pain and function issues.
- Numbness, weakness or tingling in the hands, arms or legs: Nerve compression in the neck can lead to sensations or weakness in the extremities.
- Limited motion in the neck and surrounding areas: Damage to muscles and ligaments can restrict movement.
- Blurred vision and other vision issues: Whiplash can impact eye muscles or nerves, causing visual disturbances.
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus): Injury to the neck can also affect the ears, leading to chronic ringing.
- Irritability and other emotional changes: Chronic pain and sleep issues may lead to increased irritability and mood swings.
If you’ve suffered a whiplash injury in an accident, seeking prompt medical attention is important to prevent lasting effects. Obtaining legal guidance can also help you understand your rights and explore options for compensation to support your recovery and future well-being.