Untreated Whiplash
Whiplash is one of the most common injuries that can occur after a car accident, blow to the head, fall, and much more. The sudden jerking of the head forward and then back can quickly injure the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in and around the neck, causing whiplash which includes neck injuries and pain, stiffness, and tightness.
If left untreated, a whiplash injury can lead to long term chronic pain and headaches, caused by the damaged inner workings of the neck.
A person may not realize they have a whiplash injury until symptoms begin showing up hours later. Although this type of injury can heal with time, untreated whiplash can cause months of pain and suffering. By getting proper whiplash treatment, you can strengthen the area around the neck and increase mobility.
Long-Term Effects of Untreated Whiplash
Untreated whiplash side effects can have lasting symptoms if you do have a true whiplash injury. The long-term effects of untreated whiplash symptoms include:
- Chronic pain
- Neck and shoulder stiffness
- Loss of range of motion in the neck and shoulders
- Dizziness
- Ear ringing
- Pain in the jaw
- Numbness in your extremities
- The need for surgery
As the long-term effects of untreated whiplash symptoms can be quite severe, it is essential that you seek treatment for a whiplash injury right away if you are in an accident. A chiropractor will evaluate the vertebrae in your neck to see if there is a misalignment and determine the extent of the damage. A chiropractor may be able to effectively treat a whiplash injury through chiropractic adjustments, physical therapy, or instrument-assisted treatment.
Untreated Back Injuries
Back injuries are all too common after a car accident or fall. However, unless you are properly examined by a chiropractor or you complete imaging tests, such as MRI, you won’t really know how much damage was caused. A proper examination can help diagnose back sprains and strains, herniated discs, and other spinal injuries.
Back pain treatment can make the recovery process quicker and smoother. A chiropractor can perform spine adjustments, take X-rays to determine the extent of damage, and help form the best treatment plan for your injury.
Long-Term Pain from Untreated Back Injuries
Failing to get treatment for back injuries can lead to chronic back pain, bad posture, muscle spasms, and in some cases, the increased risk of a pinched nerve. It may hinder your ability to work depending on your occupation and can interfere with your overall quality of life.
Untreated Brain Trauma
Brain injuries and their effects can range from mild to severe. The signs of a brain injury are not always apparent, and it’s a common misconception that a person must lose consciousness if they had a concussion. Although mild brain injuries, such as a concussion, can heal within a few weeks, if left undiagnosed and untreated, they can lead to severe problems.
Long-Term Effects of Untreated Brain Trauma
Mood changes, irritability, insomnia, difficulty concentrating, memory problems, and depression may all stem from an untreated brain injury. You may have problems with speech and the rest of your senses, such as sight, smell, and taste. It may start to impact your behavior, impulse control, and thought process.
Untreated Rotator Cuff Injuries
Many athletes experience rotator cuff injuries, though they may also result from slips and falls or chronic strain such as repeated use of your shoulder on the job. A rotator cuff injury includes damage to the soft tissue in the shoulder, and if you don’t seek treatment the damage and pain can be long-lasting.
Long-Term Effects of an Untreated Rotator Cuff Injury
If you do not seek treatment for a rotator cuff injury, you may suffer from permanent loss of motion in the affected shoulder. You may need surgery to repair the muscles and tendons in your shoulder. Without proper rehabilitation, you will likely lose strength in the shoulder, and the tears can worsen. If you go too long without treatment the damage may be irreversible.
A chiropractor can help evaluate a rotator cuff injury and address loss of motion and strength. Physical rehabilitation, electronic stimulation, and ultrasound therapy can help heal soft tissue injuries.
Untreated Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI)
A repetitive strain injury can happen to anyone. The injury affects the muscles, nerves, and tendons in an area of the body. It’s not just necks and backs that can be affected. Any body part that is put under regular stress can suffer a repetitive strain injury. This health condition is also known as “overuse syndrome.”
Those who work in the field of manual labor, athletes, and those who have desk jobs can all suffer from repetitive strain injuries. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is an example of a common RSI that affects an individual’s wrist, hands, and fingers. Common symptoms of RSIs include:
- Tenderness
- Stiffness
- Loss of Motion
- Loss of Strength
- Tingling Sensation
Long-Term Effects of an Untreated Repetitive Strain Injury
If you do not treat a repetitive strain injury, the damage and pain can be permanent. For this reason, it is essential that you seek treatment as soon as you notice the pain. Do not wait until it becomes so bad that you can no longer function as usual.
Chiropractors can treat soft tissue injuries with a variety of techniques, helping you to heal. You can also learn about exercises to do at home that may help alleviate the pain, and the do’s and don’ts relating to your specific injury.
Untreated Spinal Cord Injuries
An untreated spinal cord injury is particularly dangerous. Car accidents, slips and falls, athletic injuries, and many other incidents can cause a spinal cord injury. The injury consists of any damage done to either the spinal cord itself or the nerves in the spinal canal. This type of injury is rare, and while they usually cannot be cured, treatment can help manage symptoms. A spinal cord injury requires X-rays and imaging tests to diagnose, and it is only after this evaluation that a doctor can develop a proper treatment plan.
Long-Term Effects of an Untreated Spinal Cord Injury
If you don’t treat a spinal cord injury as soon as possible, the long-term effects may last for life. Some spinal cord injuries can result in the following:
- Paralysis
- Loss of Feeling in the Extremities
- Loss of Range of Motion
You will likely suffer chronic pain that may make it impossible for you to work or participate in daily activities.
As soon as you suspect a spinal cord injury seek treatment. A chiropractor can help you manage the symptoms. You may require surgery and most likely long-term physical rehabilitation.
Untreated Knee Injuries
A knee injury can happen while playing sports, in a slip and fall, or even just by taking the wrong step. It can happen to anyone. Sudden impact or stress on your leg can result in a knee injury. The symptoms vary greatly based on the type of injury. You may damage the soft tissue surrounding your knee, dislocate the joint, or fracture or break your knee cap. Every knee injury should be taken seriously.
Long-Term Effects of an Untreated Knee Injury
The long term effects of not treating a knee injury depend on the type of injury you sustain. You may become unable to bear weight on the leg, develop a limp, or sustain chronic pain. You may suffer stiffness and loss of motion, and be unable to participate in strenuous activity. You may have trouble getting up and down stairs and have a greater chance of developing arthritis.
Chiropractors can help treat a knee injury. They are experts in treating dislocated joints and healing soft tissue injuries. A chiropractor may use instrument-assisted treatment therapies or provide you with exercises to help your knee injury heal. Additionally, you may require physical rehabilitation.
Why You Should Always Get Treatment
After any type of accident or injury, your health should be your number one priority, even if you think you’re “fine.” Treatment can help speed up the recovery process and give you the tools needed to make any necessary lifestyle changes that can help you manage any pain or discomfort from these injuries.
Furthermore, Florida personal injury protection insurance requires anyone who has been hurt in an auto accident to have their injuries documented within 14 days. If you fail to have car accident injuries or treatment documented, you may be unable to obtain up to $10,000 in insurance benefits that can cover your medical expenses.
If you have been hurt and are experiencing pain, contact a ChiroCare of Florida doctor and get started on the treatment you need today.
