Symptoms of Chronic Whiplash Pain

Whiplash is a common injury that occurs when the neck is suddenly and forcefully jolted back and forth. Identifying the symptoms of chronic whiplash is crucial since the pain can linger and seriously affect your daily life.

While many recover from whiplash within a few weeks, chronic whiplash develops when pain and related symptoms persist for more than three months, often requiring ongoing management. Bills resulting from treatment can stack up without pursuing an injury claim. Let our Fresno personal injury attorney handle your case.

Common Causes of Chronic Whiplash

The most frequent cause of chronic whiplash is car accidents, particularly rear-end collisions that suddenly jolt the neck. Sports injuries, such as those incurred in contact sports like football or boxing, can also lead to whiplash. Additionally, falls that sharply jolt the head and neck are another typical cause.

Common Symptoms of Chronic Whiplash

If you think you're dealing with chronic whiplash, understanding the symptoms can give you a better idea of what you're facing. They often include the following:

• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Persistent neck pain is a hallmark of chronic whiplash. You might find it tough to move your neck, especially while you're active or if you've been sitting for a while.
• Headaches: Frequent headaches are another common symptom. These headaches often originate at the base of the skull and can extend toward the forehead, leading to discomfort.
• Shoulder and Back Pain: Pain isn't always confined to the neck. In many cases, it spreads to the shoulders, upper back, and even down the spine. This is usually due to the strained muscles and ligaments that were affected during the initial injury.
• Dizziness and Balance Issues: Experiencing sensations of dizziness or a lack of balance can make everyday tasks difficult. These feelings might come and go, but they can significantly disrupt your normal activities.
• Jaw Pain: The pain can also extend to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) area, leading to discomfort when talking or eating. This is often due to tension or misalignment resulting from the whiplash injury.
• Memory and Concentration Issues: Struggling with memory or trying to concentrate can also occur. You might feel like you're in a fog, making it hard to focus on tasks or remember information.
• Mood Changes: Chronic whiplash can also lead to mood changes, like depression, irritability, or anxiety. These feelings often stem from dealing with ongoing pain and its impact on your quality of life.
• Sleep Disturbances: Pain and discomfort can affect your sleep, making it hard to fall or stay asleep. This can lead to fatigue and a noticeable decrease in energy levels, affecting how you feel during the day.

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible and follow your doctor’s advice.

Chronic Whiplash and Working With a Personal Injury Lawyer

Dealing with chronic whiplash can affect many aspects of your life, from daily tasks to your overall physical and mental health. When considering legal options, speaking with a personal injury lawyer is one of the most important steps you can take. They can simplify the process of seeking compensation for your injuries by handling paperwork and communicating with insurance companies to obtain maximum compensation.

If they can't reach a settlement for your injuries, they can help you file a lawsuit against the responsible party. Ultimately, a lawyer will make the process much easier so you can focus on getting better. If you need help, contact us today to schedule a free consultation.