One of the most common injuries that victims often suffer in a car accident is whiplash. The sudden forward and backward movement causes injury to the joints of the neck and upper back as a result of overstretching, damaging ligaments and tendons found in the neck. Whiplash symptoms include:
- Pain when moving neck
- Shoulder pain
- Burning or tingling sensation
- Tightness or spasms of the neck and upper back muscles
- Headaches and dizziness
Short Term vs. Long Term Effects of Whiplash
In the aftermath of the car crash, whiplash symptoms can develop within 12 hours. While these symptoms may appear worse for several days, the recovery time is around 32 days on average. The short-term effects of whiplash are typically treated with paracetamol and anti-inflammatory medication. On the other hand, approximately 12% of victims diagnosed with whiplash suffer from chronic whiplash, which can last for over six months. The prolonged neck pain experienced by people with chronic whiplash can hinder their ability to conduct day-to-day activities, such as work, school, running errands, and enjoying the things that they normally would when healthy. In addition, chronic whiplash is associated with serious psychological problems, such as anxiety or depression. If you suffered an injury in a car accident in Ohio, contact our Toledo personal injury lawyer at Williams DeClark Tuschman Co., L.P.A. and request a free consultation today.