You can suffer whiplash in many types of accidents, such as if your vehicle is struck from behind by another (even at a low speed).
There are many symptoms commonly associated with whiplash, including the following:
- Neck pain accompanied by stiffness
- Worsening of pain when you attempt to move your neck
- Headaches, typically start at the base of the skull and radiating from there
- Pain in the arms, upper back and shoulders
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Numbness or tingling in the arms
While some of these symptoms can set in immediately after an accident, others may not develop for several hours.
In addition to the common symptoms above, others may include depression, memory problems, blurred vision, ringing in the ears and difficulty concentrating.
Most people who suffer from whiplash are able to recover within a few weeks. However, there is no guarantee this will happen. It’s possible for complications to last for several weeks or longer. These complications can include:
- Severe neck and/or back pain
- Pain that radiates into the arms or shoulders
- Headaches
Dealing with these complications is difficult enough for several weeks, let alone many months or years.
If you have any reason to believe you’re suffering from whiplash, don’t wait to receive medical treatment. Even if you’re not experiencing all these symptoms, they could soon set in. It’s important to consult with an experienced medical professional who can suggest the appropriate treatment schedule.
As you recover, don’t wait to touch base with your insurance company and to learn more about your legal rights. Doing so will help you formulate a plan for holding the negligent party responsible.
