Whiplash is among the most common auto accident injuries; it results from a sudden back-and-forth motion of the neck that often occurs with rear-end accidents.

All too often, patients don’t recognize the symptoms of whiplash as a significant injury after a car crash. This can keep them from qualifying for PIP insurance coverage, given that Florida patients must receive care within 14 days of the crash to use their PIP coverage. Unfortunately, leaving whiplash untreated can also lead to a lingering, long-term effects, including:

Headaches 

Headaches are a common symptom of whiplash. Without prompt treatment, these headaches may persist long after the injury occurs. When left untreated, whiplash may even lead to chronic, worsening headaches that typically occur at the base of the skull. 

Limited Neck Mobility

When whiplash is left untreated, it can result in lost mobility in the neck due to inflammation. This can make it difficult to perform regular tasks that require the movement of the neck, head, and upper back muscles. People may also struggle to fully turn the head or neck. 

Vertigo 

Vertigo refers to repeated spells of dizziness and/or feeling faint. With vertigo, people feel like they’re spinning or falling while remaining still, which can potentially cause nausea, vomiting, and even falling due to a loss of balance. Many untreated cases of whiplash lead to long-term vertigo, likely due to misalignment in the cervical spine. 

Prevent Lasting Symptoms From Untreated Whiplash

The best way to avoid long-term effects from untreated whiplash is to receive a medical evaluation as soon as possible after being in a car accident. Your doctor will be able to identify signs of whiplash and provide a treatment plan to prevent lasting damage from the injury. For a medical evaluation after an automobile accident, schedule an appointment with the Florida Spine & Injury Institute today.