Long-Term Effects of Whiplash After a Car Crash

Whiplash is one of the most common types of injuries that can occur as a result of a vehicle accident. This type of injury can occur anytime the neck or upper body is forced into a rapid back and forth or side-to-side movement, similar to the cracking of a whip. According to the Mayo Clinic, whiplash is commonly caused by rear-end vehicle accidents, but this is certainly not the only type of incident that can cause these injuries. Here, we want to examine some of the potential long-term effects of whiplash after a vehicle accident occurs. Speak to a car accident lawyer in Portland for additional assistance.

Whiplash is Common, But Can Cause Major Complications

Whiplash is one of the most common vehicle accident injuries that occur, and this type of injury often happens as a result of a rear-end collision. However, at how whiplash occurs according to the Mayo Clinic, we can see that this type of injury can occur as a result of any “forceful, rapid back and forth movement of the neck,” which can happen as a result of any type of vehicle accident, not just rear-end accidents.

Most people who sustain A whiplash injury get better within a few weeks if they follow a pain management plan, rehabilitation or physical therapy, and exercise regimen recommended by a medical professional. Typically, the most common temporary signs and symptoms associated with whiplash include:

• Stiffness or pain in the neck
• Pain that gets worse with neck movement
• Loss of range of motion in the neck area
• Headaches that begin at the base of the skull and move upward
• Tenderness in the shoulder and upper back
• Numbness or tingling in the arms or fingers
• Fatigue
• Dizziness

However, there are times when individuals sustain longer-term injuries as a result of whiplash caused by a vehicle accident. Some people can experience pain for several months or even years after the injury occurs, according to the Mayo Clinic. Some of the more common chronic symptoms associated with whiplash include:

• Constant neck pain
• More limited range of motion
• Pain that continually spreads to the arms

Some individuals may be at higher risk of experiencing long-term whiplash symptoms, including those who have had a whiplash injury before, those who are older, individuals who have existing neck or back pain, and whiplash injuries that occur as a result of a high-speed accident.

Continue Medical Treatment

If you or somebody you love has sustained a whiplash injury caused by the negligent actions of another driver, it is imperative for you to follow all instructions given by your medical professional. Even though whiplash injuries will typically heal on their own over the course of a few weeks, failing to follow a doctor’s instructions could lead to a worsening of the injury.

Additionally, if you are working to recover compensation from another party due to your whiplash injuries, continuing all recommended medical care will help bolster your claim against the insurance carrier or at a personal injury trial. If you have any questions about what you should do after sustaining A whiplash injury caused by the actions of another driver, we encourage you to reach out to a skilled Portland personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.