Chronic Neck and Back Pain from Whiplash

Personal Injury News | April 18, 2019

Whiplash is one of the most common consequences of a car accident. Some people recover within less than a month, but others may have to continue treatment for whiplash pain for several years. Chronic pain like this can disrupt sleep, work performance, and other important daily activities.

If you have reason to believe that your car accident was caused by another driver, then you may be able to receive compensation for your injuries and any pain and suffering you have endured. All you have to do is talk to a New York Automobile Accidents Attorney.

Symptoms and Treatment for Whiplash

Most people already know that whiplash causes pain in the neck, but this pain can sometimes spread to the upper back and head, making falling asleep difficult and potentially leading to sleep disorders like insomnia. A lack of sleep can cause fatigue, lack of concentration, and trouble remembering things. Other common symptoms of whiplash are:

  • Dizziness
  • Blurry vision and ringing in the ears
  • Numbness or tingling in the arms
  • Neck stiffness

Treatments for whiplash vary depending on how severe the damage is and whether one treatment is working or not. At first, your doctor will probably tell you to rest your neck at home with heat and cold pads. You may also be told to take over-the-counter pain medicine like Ibuprofen to reduce discomfort until your neck heals.

Your doctor will likely order prescription pain medications and muscle relaxants if the first treatment fails to improve your condition. In severe cases, you may receive an injection in your neck.

Chronic Whiplash Pain

Chronic Neck and Back Pain from WhiplashUnfortunately, some people still feel the pain of whiplash years later. This is called chronic whiplash pain, but is also referred to as whiplash associated disorder. Some people experience this disorder for up to 17 years. 13-50% of people take off work because of how the pain interferes with physical activity and productivity.

Treatments for chronic whiplash often include physical therapy, strong medications, and exercise routines. Prolonged treatment can end up costing people more money because insurance companies may only cover a few sessions of physical therapy. The injury itself may result in lost wages if the person finds working difficult or has to find a less physically demanding job.

Personal Injury Lawyer in New York

Whiplash pain can significantly alter a person’s life if the condition fails to improve with initial treatment. To avoid going into debt paying off medical bills, figure out whether the other driver acted negligently while driving. If you suspect they were, look for a Syracuse Personal Injury Lawyer who can investigate your situation further to determine what to include in your personal injury claim.

At Gattuso & Ciotoli, we have years of experience in figuring out lawsuits related to car accidents. You can find our services in Syracuse, Central New York, Syracuse, Watertown, Binghamton, North Syracuse, Camillus, Liverpool, Cortland, and Auburn. Contact us at (315) 314-8000 for a free consultation today. We will answer any questions you may have about the process of a personal injury lawsuit.