Whiplash can last anywhere from a few days to a few months depending on the severity of the injury. Whiplash is most commonly caused by a car accident, however, any sudden movement of the head and neck can cause this injury, resulting in damage to the tendons and ligaments in the victim’s neck.
Whiplash is one of the most common injuries individuals sustain in a motor vehicle accident and, unfortunately, it is also often dismissed as minor. However, whiplash can be severe and incredibly painful, possibly resulting in a long-term chronic condition that requires more extensive treatment.
THE LONG-TERM EFFECTS OF WHIPLASH
Following a minor bumper to bumper car accident, whiplash can last a few days and might even be accompanied with neck and upper back pain, in addition to severe headaches. In cases where the accident is much more severe, one might experience severe pain and find it difficult to move the neck and head. Symptoms will continue to develop and present themselves a day or two after the accident.
In more severe cases, it is not uncommon for a whiplash injury to last for months. While it is rare, it is also possible for the symptoms of whiplash to never fully disappear. Some of the most common symptoms of whiplash include:
- Neck pain
- Upper and lower back pain
- Reduced neck mobility
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Difficulty sleeping
- Numbness or weakness in the arms
- Weakness in the legs
It is also possible for whiplash to affect one’s vision and impact the ability to get a restful night of sleep.
In the event that a whiplash injury lasts more than 6 months, it is usually referred to as chronic whiplash and will need to be treated with physiotherapy and prescription painkillers. Less severe cases of whiplash can be treated with anti-inflammatory pills such as ibuprofen or paracetamol. Those suffering from a more mild case of whiplash will likely see their symptoms fade within a matter of weeks. To assist your recovery, it is advisable to keep your neck and head mobile rather than keeping it still in a brace.
TREATING IT EARLY
If you were involved in an accident and sustained a whiplash injury, it is important to seek medical treatment as soon as possible to minimize the recovery time. You might feel fine immediately after the accident and even in the following days, but it is not unusual for the symptoms of whiplash to appear later on. The earlier you treat this injury, the more likely you will be able to achieve a full and fast recovery.
PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEYS IN TEXAS AND OKLAHOMA
At Richardson Richardson Boudreaux, PLLC, our personal injury attorneys are dedicated to fighting on behalf of those who have been injured as a result of someone’s negligence. If you sustained a whiplash injury that was caused by a car accident, we will fight to hold the responsible party accountable for their actions to ensure you receive the compensation you are entitled to.
Get started on your case today and contact us at 918-492-7674 to request your free initial case review with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney at our firm.