Many car accident victims consider whiplash a “minor” injury and never seek treatment. Unfortunately, there really isn’t anything minor about whiplash. It is often painful, and when left untreated, it causes long-term effects.

What is whiplash?

Whiplash is a soft tissue joint injury that occurs when the head is violently jolted back and forth. It is a common injury after a car accident but can also occur in sports injuries, falls, blunt force trauma, and assaults.

The injury produces mild and severe symptoms, including:

• • Pain in the neck and shoulders

• • Headaches

• • Dizziness

• • Numbness

• • Limited range of motion

After a whiplash injury many people find it difficult to turn their head or make simple movements. The pain may go away temporarily, but there are often long-term effects.

Why you should take it seriously

You may feel better leaving whiplash alone, but that won’t always be the case. Studies indicate that many people suffer symptoms five years after an accident and most of them did not treat whiplash at the time.

When you ignore whiplash, you may face the following issues:

• • Chronic pain in the neck and shoulders

• • Severe and frequent headaches

• • Vertigo

• • Jaw pain

• • Numbness and weakness in arms or legs

• • Ringing in your years

• • Blurred vision

• • Memory issues

• • Insomnia

• • Blurred vision

Chiropractic care and physical therapy are often effective in restoring the range of motion and reducing pain. Most people find over-the-counter pain medication helps while they recover, although some cases require stronger interventions. Sometimes, a supportive neck collar helps manage pain until the muscles and tendons heal and become stronger.

If you sustained whiplash after a car accident, seek medical care right away. Meanwhile, let our trusted attorneys handle your accident claim. The experience car accident lawyers at Goldman, Babboni, Fernandez, Murphy & Walsh in Bradenton, FL are here for you. Call us today to schedule a consultation.