The force of some car crashes and other types of accidents may cause people’s necks to forcibly bend from front to back or back to front. Whiplash injuries typically affect the cervical discs, nerves, muscles and tendons.
More than a pain in the neck, whiplash injuries may cause people serious symptoms, and run the risk of complications.
Symptoms of whiplash
According to HopkinsMedicine.org, neck strains commonly referred to as whiplash injuries may cause wide-ranging symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms associated with whiplash include the following:
- Neck pain
- Neck stiffness
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Ringing in the ears
In addition to these, people also sometimes experience other symptoms, including irritability, fatigue, sleeplessness, and concentration and memory problems as a result of whiplash injuries.
Complications from whiplash injuries
Often, whiplash resolves with time and minimal treatment. However, some may experience ongoing issues due to these types of neck strains. According to the Mayo Clinic, complications from whiplash injuries may include ongoing and severe pain, pain that spreads into the upper extremities and limited range of motion. These and other such complications may last for months or even years after the injury happened. Recovery from these types of neck strains varies based on factors such as age, preexisting conditions, symptom onset and the circumstances of the accident that caused the injuries.
Those who suffer whiplash in auto accidents often incur undue costs as a result of their injuries. If another driver caused their collision, people may consider their options to pursue compensation for these losses, which may include lost income, medical bills, and pain and suffering.