It takes only seconds for a peaceful car ride to turn into a catastrophe. In 2021, over 8,000 people experienced serious injuries from vehicle collisions. Among accident-related complications, whiplash injuries are some of the most common. There are many long-term effects of whiplash that you should understand. This knowledge can help you take action through a whiplash lawyer in Edmonton if issues manifest. Let's look at what to expect if you experience whiplash after a car accident.
Chronic Pain
Whiplash can severely affect your spine health. Even in minor cases, chronic pain is a possible complication.
Chronic pain comes with many issues, and one of the most prominent is taking opiates for pain management. These drugs are highly addictive, and it's not uncommon for people to develop a dependency.
Fatigue
After a car accident, people often experience general fatigue. This tends to go away on its own, but whiplash-related fatigue could remain for extended periods.
Those who feel constantly fatigued will be less likely to pursue independent goals. They could also find it complicated to handle ongoing responsibilities, such as cleaning.
Difficulty Concentrating
Whiplash can easily lead to difficulty concentrating. This typically occurs due to ongoing pain and having trouble moving one's neck. In many cases, the inability to concentrate causes numerous issues. For example, it could prevent them from studying for school efficiently. Poor concentration will also likely mitigate work-related performance.
Difficulty Sleeping
This is one of the most serious long-term complications of whiplash. Those who have trouble sleeping might develop a compromised immune system. Poor sleep could also cause depression and anxiety. These mood changes can compel someone to cope with drugs or alcohol. Sleep deprivation can lead to unnecessary weight gain, as well.
Emotional Distress
Whiplash can be a traumatic experience. This is part of what makes whiplash recovery so complicated.
While the physical symptoms may subside, emotional distress can remain. In fact, approximately one in five Canadians deal with mental illness each year.
Complications of emotional distress can involve mood swings, flashbacks, and becoming withdrawn. Some people who experience emotional distress also become more likely to engage in high-risk behaviour.
Numbness and Tingling
Some people damage their nerves after experiencing whiplash from a car accident. Long-term numbness and tingling are common ways this injury manifests.
Some victims find it to be only a minor annoyance. Others experience worse complications, such as the inability to squeeze or hold objects firmly.
Dizziness/Balance Issues
Whiplash after a car accident can lead to dizziness and balance issues. These make it difficult to engage in normal activities, such as standing and walking. In some cases, this could impact one's ability to work.
Call a Whiplash Lawyer in Edmonton ASAP
The long-term effects of whiplash can adversely affect your quality of life. The sooner you recognize the signs, the sooner you can take action. Working with a reputable whiplash lawyer in Edmonton can help you get the compensation you deserve.
Our professional team at McCourt Law Offices strives to exceed each of our client's expectations. We can help you with issues related to medical expenses, lost wages, pain, and much more. Please book a consultation today to learn about how we can help.