In the aftermath of a car accident, whiplash is more common an injury than most accident survivors realize. This neck injury is caused by a rapid, forceful motion that snaps the neck back and forth.
In the aftermath of an accident, some survivors may perceive pain in their neck as a minor inconvenience. Unfortunately, if they sustained whiplash injuries, leaving the neck undiagnosed and untreated can result in serious consequences.
Chronic pain and reduced mobility
If whiplash is left untreated, affected accident survivors run the risk development of chronic neck pain. Initially, accident survivors may only experience strained neck muscles and ligaments. However, the discomfort can gradually evolve into chronic pain.
Prolonged inflammation in the neck may eventually cause the formation of scar tissue. This would significantly limit neck mobility and cause persistent discomfort. Patients with chronic whiplash often experience difficulty performing everyday tasks, such as turning their heads while driving or looking down at a phone.
Neurological symptoms
Whiplash can sometimes lead to complications that affect the nervous system. This is because untreated injuries to the neck may compress or irritate surrounding nerves. As a result, whiplash patients may experience symptoms such as:
- Numbness or tingling in the arms
- Radiating pain that travels from the neck and down the shoulders and back
- Dizziness or balance issues
In severe cases, nerve damage caused by whiplash can lead to cervical radiculopathy. This is a phenomenon where spinal nerve roots become compressed. The condition causes weakness and impaired coordination.
Mental health decline
Living with untreated whiplash can take a toll on an accident survivor’s mental health due to the persistent discomfort. The chronic pain can eventually cause:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Sleep disturbances
Furthermore, the constant discomfort can make it challenging to focus, work or enjoy daily life.
Moreover, the stress of dealing with an injury that doesn’t seem to improve can heighten emotional distress. This psychological strain can create a vicious cycle where mental health challenges intensify the physical symptoms of whiplash.
Car accident survivors should seek immediate medical care, even if they perceive their injuries as minor. Taking prompt medical action and enlisting legal support can help ensure they can afford to address any injuries before this challenging situation spirals out of control.