Whiplash is arguably one of the most common injuries you could sustain in a car accident. The severity of your diagnosis will depend on the point of impact, as well as where you sat in the vehicle.

If not promptly treated, its effect could linger for many months or years causing long-term discomfort. Understanding the seriousness of proper treatment may give you the incentive to get help right away.

Short-term symptoms

You may not even realize you have whiplash at the beginning. It could take several hours for symptoms to begin, especially if your car accident left you in a state of shock. Some symptoms of whiplash might include the following:

• Neck and shoulder pain
• Back pain
• Reduced range of motion
• Headaches
• Ringing ears

The initial treatment for whiplash is rather simple. Your doctor may recommend that you wear a foam brace for a few weeks to stabilize your neck and minimize movement. You could also consider chiropractic treatment.

Long-term damage

If you ignore the symptoms of whiplash, your pain could persist and even worsen. According to The Mayo Clinic, ongoing problems triggered by whiplash may include memory loss, blurred vision, insomnia and depression. Your risks of severe repercussions may increase with factors like age, poor health and crashing at a high rate of speed.

It is important to document your health condition after your accident. Keep records of the pain you experience, as well as where you go to receive relief. Collaborating with your legal team, you can share this information with all applicable parties to ensure you receive fair compensation.