Alex Mayfield | September 5, 2025 | Car Accidents
Whiplash isn’t just a sore neck. It’s a soft tissue injury caused when the head snaps back and forth suddenly — just like it does in a rear-end crash during car accidents. Muscles, ligaments, and nerves can all take a hit. The symptoms don’t always show up right away. Some people feel fine for a day or two, only to wake up barely able to move their neck.
Here are ten symptoms that could point to whiplash after a rear-end collision.
1. Neck Pain or Stiffness
This one’s the most common. It might feel like you slept wrong or like you pulled a muscle. But if you’ve been in a crash, don’t write it off. The pain can come on fast or build slowly. Some people feel it only when they turn their head. Others have constant soreness.
2. Headaches at the Base of the Skull
These headaches can feel like tension or pounding pressure, usually starting at the back of the head. The pain might creep toward the forehead or even behind the eyes. It’s not just a regular tension headache; it’s a sign your neck and spine took a hit.
3. Shoulder or Upper Back Pain
Whiplash doesn’t always stop at the neck. Muscles and ligaments in the shoulders and upper back can stretch or tear from the force of the impact. This pain might feel dull or sharp, and it can limit how much you can move your arms.
4. Tingling or Numbness in the Arms
That weird pins-and-needles feeling isn’t something to ignore. Nerve irritation or compression from whiplash can send those sensations down into your arms or hands. If it’s there, it means the injury is affecting more than just your neck muscles.
5. Dizziness or Balance Issues
After a rear-end accident, some people feel dizzy or unsteady. That could be from inflammation, nerve issues, or even minor damage to the inner ear. No matter the cause, feeling off-balance is a red flag.
6. Blurred Vision
Not everyone gets this, but when it happens, it’s unsettling. Blurry vision after a collision can mean the neck trauma is affecting your nervous system. It’s a sign that you need quick medical attention.
7. Trouble Concentrating or Remembering Things
Cognitive symptoms can follow even a seemingly minor crash. If you feel mentally foggy, can’t remember things, or can’t stay focused, your brain might be reacting to trauma in the neck and spine.
8. Jaw Pain or Clicking
This one surprises a lot of people, but the force that hits the neck can also mess with the joint that connects your jaw to your skull. If you notice pain while chewing or hear clicks when you open your mouth, it might be linked to whiplash.
9. Fatigue That Doesn’t Go Away
Some people chalk this up to stress, but post-whiplash fatigue can be surprisingly debilitating. The body uses a lot of energy to deal with pain and inflammation. If you’re more tired than usual, even after resting, whiplash could be the reason.
10. Sleep Problems
Neck pain makes it hard to find a comfortable position. But sleep problems after a crash can go deeper than that. Pain, anxiety, and nervous system disruptions all play a role. Some people can’t fall asleep. Others wake up throughout the night.
Contact the Glynn County Car Accident Lawyers at Mayfield Law, LLC for Help Today
Whiplash isn’t always dramatic. It doesn’t always show up the second a crash happens, but ignoring the signs can make things worse. These symptoms point to real physical damage, and they can get worse if left untreated. When it comes to legal claims, having a record of your symptoms helps a personal injury lawyer prove your case.
For more information, contact Mayfield Law, LLC to schedule a free consultation with our experienced car accident attorneys. We proudly serve clients in Brunswick, GA, Nahunta, GA, as well as Glynn County and Brantley County. We’re here to offer trusted, compassionate legal guidance. Let us help you navigate the legal process and secure the compensation you deserve.
Mayfield Law, LLC Brunswick
1611 Union St, Brunswick, GA 31520
(912) 457-8557
Mayfield Law, LLC Nahunta
13903 E Cleveland St, Nahunta, GA 31553
(912) 733-4651
