Whiplash is one of the most common injuries after a car accident, and it’s not exclusive to vehicles. When your neck violently whips back and forth or side to side, it strains the muscles, tendons, and vertebrae. Even low-speed collisions can cause whiplash, which is why attorneys and doctors advise you to get medical attention after a car crash. While you might feel fine immediately after the accident, the pain can manifest days or even weeks later.

While whiplash may be common, it can still be a serious and potentially life-altering injury. Read on to learn how whiplash can affect you months or years after an accident.

Whiplash Symptoms

After your accident, your body will probably undergo an adrenaline rush. Adrenaline is part of the “fight or flight” response where your body primes itself to react quickly and escape danger. This diminishes pain, increases blood flow to your muscles and brain, and helps your body process nutrients for fuel. That diminished pain response is a prime reason people fail to seek medical attention.

After the adrenaline dies down, you may notice symptoms like headache, neck, shoulder or back pain, and limited mobility. Even mild cases of whiplash cause these problems. If your injury is severe, you may experience issues like nausea, amnesia, vision or hearing loss, migraines and insomnia on top of the pain and limited range of motion. Severe symptoms can persist indefinitely.

Long-Term Whiplash Damage

Serious car accidents can cause severe whiplash, but mild cases can worsen if you don’t seek medical attention. Migraines and neck pain are the most common long-term symptoms, but many patients experience long-term insomnia and nausea as a result of the severe pain. Living with long-term, severe whiplash damage is difficult and some patients need to undergo surgery to repair the damage.

Even if you don’t have to get surgery, whiplash is often expensive to treat. You might be prescribed bedrest, which can mean a loss of income, as well as painkillers, cervical collars, or physical therapy. Some patients have success with chiropractors, although you should always follow your medical doctor’s advice before seeking treatment.

Most importantly, make sure that you work with an experienced personal injury attorney. You shouldn’t have to bear these costs alone. An attorney can help recover compensation for your car accident, including treatment for your whiplash injury.

Talk to an Ohio Personal Injury Attorney Today

When you’re injured in a car accident, you may be able to recover compensation for your injuries and expenses. When you call me at 877.614.9524, we’ll discuss whether you have grounds for a lawsuit. I’ll Make Them Pay!®

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