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5 Health Risks for Not Getting Whiplash Treatment

Written By Preferred Family Chiropractic on January 8, 2019

Whiplash is an injury that can occur if you’re in a car accident or while you’re playing sports. 

It happens when your head is jerked back and forth in a quick movement. This jolting motion can injure the muscles, nerves, and disks along your neck and upper back, causing symptoms that can last for weeks, months, and even years if left untreated.

There are also long-term health risks involved with not getting whiplash treatment after an accident or injury.

What are they, and how can you prevent them? Let’s find out.

5 Risks for Untreated Whiplash

According to a Danish study from 2001, patients who reported the worst stiffness and/or neck pain after their injury were also most likely to remain disabled one year later.

Here are some other long-term complications from leaving whiplash untreated.

1. Chronic Neck Pain

One of the most common risks for untreated whiplash is chronic or acute neck pain. Chronic pain can greatly interfere with your quality of life and make it hard to carry out day-to-day activities.

2. Limited Range-of-Motion

Another big risk for whiplash left untreated: limited range-of-motion. You may be unable to turn your head to either side completely, or you may have difficulty reaching for objects located overhead. You may also feel that pain travels down to your back and arms. 

3. Dizziness and/or Vertigo

Along with stiffness and pain, whiplash can also cause neurological problems. Two surprising risks for untreated whiplash are dizziness and vertigo. In general, vertigo is the sensation that your surroundings are spinning, which can lead to nausea and vomiting.

4. Chronic Headaches

Chronic headaches from whiplash are often of the variety known as tension headaches. These head pains feel as if a vise is tightening around your forehead. The pressure can be intense and may last for days at a time.

5. Tinnitus (Ringing in the Ears)

Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears unrelated to any actual sounds in your environment, is yet another unexpected risk factor for whiplash. Tinnitus is not only annoying; it can also cause sleeplessness and irritability.

Get Treated for Whiplash by a Chiropractor

If you have suffered a whiplash injury, you should get treatment immediately. Not only will you heal faster – but you’ll also prevent your risk of complications down the road.

Dr. Williams at Preferred Family Chiropractic is certified in personal injury impairment, with extensive training in post-traumatic injury recovery, which means he can help you rehabilitate after an injury like whiplash.

We’re here for you if you have a whiplash injury. Call our offices today to set up your appointment and start feeling better: (352) 536-1300.


Posted In: Chiropractic Auto Injury Treatment Whiplash Treatment