Call Now3 Risks of Not Receiving Whiplash Treatment
Experiencing neck and shoulder pain after an accident, whether a car crash or a fall? Whiplash is one of the most common reasons patients visit a chiropractor. If you’re living with symptoms of whiplash, you may think it’s best to wait it out and hope that your pain will go away. This is a terrible idea since whiplash can be dangerous if left untreated. If you’re feeling neck or back pain and suspect you may have whiplash, here’s why you should seek treatment immediately.
What Is Whiplash?
Whiplash is caused by trauma to the neck, and it occurs when a person’s neck is quickly jerked back and forth, usually due to external force. It can cause mild to severe pain centered around the neck and shoulders, either right away or over time.
While whiplash often resolves itself in a matter of days or weeks, severe cases can cause months or years of pain and discomfort. Rather than risking your long-term health and well-being, it’s important to seek treatment for whiplash right away before the condition becomes chronic.
What Happens If You Don’t Get Whiplash Treatment?
Many people think whiplash symptoms will go away on their own. While, in some cases, the pain may fade over time, in others, the risks can cause prolonged pain and chronic issues. Here are some of the risks of not receiving whiplash treatment:
- Neurological Problems. Chronic pain is just the start of severe whiplash—if you don’t get treatment, you could risk developing neurological problems like headaches, tinnitus, or vertigo. Any of these conditions can not only keep you out of work but can also keep you from enjoying life in general.
- Decreased Range of Motion. Whiplash injuries can make it difficult or painful for you to move your body like you once did. If you have a decreased range of motion, it can be harder for you to perform the normal activities of daily life, like reaching for things up high or turning your head to the side to cross the street or check traffic when driving.
- Musculoskeletal Problems. Vertebrae misalignment and even degenerative disc disease are associated with untreated whiplash. If the neck moves out of proper spinal alignment, it can not only damage your uppermost vertebrae, but it can even cause discs between the vertebrae or spinal column to break down. These severe conditions can cause long-term pain, weakness, numbness, and even loss of mobility.
Seek Treatment for Whiplash Immediately
Treating whiplash effectively involves much more than managing the pain with medication. In many cases, visits to a chiropractor or physical therapy are essential in your recovery from this painful and risky condition. If you’re experiencing symptoms of whiplash, the team at Impact Medical Group of Sarasota is here to help. We’ll create a customized treatment plan that addresses your pain and discomfort, so you can start your journey to a full recovery. Call us today at (941) 222-1157 to schedule your free consultation!