Car accidents can have devastating consequences, including whiplash, a common injury resulting from the forceful jerking of the head and neck. At first, the pain might seem manageable, but as the days turn into weeks, the full extent of the damage begins to reveal itself.
This injury can have long-term, far-reaching consequences that affect physical health, emotional well-being and financial stability. This blog explores the potential complications of whiplash injuries and why you must take them seriously.
What are the complications to watch out for?
Most people who sustain whiplash injuries get better within a few weeks. They do not experience any severe or lasting effects from the car collision. Unfortunately, some people develop pain for months or years after the event.
Moreover, predicting how a patient can recover from this injury can be challenging. To be safe, medical professionals recommend getting a follow-up checkup if your first symptoms of whiplash are severe. Other signs to watch out for include limited range of motion, intense neck pain and pain that spread to your arms.
If you experience these symptoms, you will be more at risk of having prolonged body pain from the accident. Other risk factors that may lead to this complication include the following:
- You have had the injury before
- You sustained the injury due to a high-speed accident
- You already have neck and lower back pains even before getting injured
These are only some of the most common risk factors that may contribute to the onset of prolonged pain after sustaining a whiplash. To reduce the risk of whiplash, drivers should take extra precautions on the road, such as wearing seatbelts, avoiding distractions and following traffic laws.
Don’t underestimate a whiplash
These injuries can be more than just a minor inconvenience. They can have a crucial impact on a person’s quality of life.
It’s essential to take these injuries seriously, seeking medical attention and legal guidance to determine how to receive the compensation you deserve. By understanding the potential complications of whiplash and taking proactive measures to address them, you can protect your health and rights.