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When you are a driver or passenger in a motor vehicle, you must always wear a seat belt to help prevent severe injuries in the event of a car crash. Even when you do wear a seat belt, car accidents can still result in many types of injuries, including neck injuries. There are multiple causes and types of neck injuries that you can experience as a result of an auto accident. When involved in a motor vehicle collision, be aware of any symptoms you may be experiencing and seek medical attention to receive proper treatment.
Neck pain can be caused by any number of injuries you may sustain in an auto accident. Neck injuries may occur due to the sudden impact of a car accident that causes your head and neck to jerk back and forth quickly. Injuries sustained from this type of motion are categorized under the term ‘whiplash.’ Other injuries, like slipped and herniated discs and neck strains and sprains, are common injuries and causes of neck pain as well.
Car accidents can lead to various injuries affecting the spine and spinal cord, particularly in the neck area. Common neck injuries that may result from these accidents include slipped or herniated discs, strains, sprains, and whiplash. Since these injuries can range from mild discomfort to severe trauma, seek a medical evaluation after a car accident to assess the injury’s severity and receive appropriate treatment properly.
Intervertebral discs sit between the vertebrae or bones that form your spinal column and act as cushions. These discs can become herniated when you are involved in a car accident. You may hear the condition referred to as either a slipped or herniated disc, but they are actually the same thing. The symptoms you experience from having a herniated disc can depend on where in your back the herniated disc is located. When you have a herniated disc that is located in your upper back or cervical spine, you may experience pain in the arms in addition to other symptoms like tingling, numbness, and weakness.
Neck sprains are when the ligaments in your neck are stretched or torn, whereas a neck strain is when the neck muscles or tendons are stretched or torn. Ligament sprains and muscle strains both cause you to sustain soft tissue damage. You may also experience pain in the affected soft tissue. Other pain symptoms from these injuries include headaches, as well as others.
Whiplash occurs during a car accident when your head and neck jerk back and forth from the sudden motion of the crash. Depending on the severity and symptoms, it may occur immediately or be delayed by days. Whiplash-related nerve damage can cause persistent pain, numbness, and tingling that radiates from the neck down through the shoulders and arms. Patients often experience muscle weakness, headaches, and reduced range of motion in the neck. Some people develop burning sensations or “pins and needles” in their hands and fingers due to compressed or irritated nerve roots. These symptoms may worsen with movement or persist even at rest, potentially leading to difficulty with daily activities and sleep disruption.
This type of injury is treatable, and whiplash symptoms do not typically persist over a long period; however, in some cases of severe whiplash, chronic pain can last for years.
Neck injuries can cause a wide range of symptoms depending on the specific type of injury you sustained and its severity. These symptoms can affect your quality of life, so it is essential to have a physical exam by a doctor if you are experiencing any signs of injury. Listed below are some common symptoms of neck injuries overall.
Common symptoms include
Although you should be medically examined immediately following a car accident, some symptoms of neck injuries and other types of injuries may not appear until days after the accident. If you experience any of these symptoms or any signs of injury in the days following a car crash, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible to receive proper medical care for your injuries.
In some cases, neck injuries can lead to chronic neck pain that can last years. Severe injuries may also lead to chronic pain that lasts for years. Other than ongoing pain, long-term effects include numbness or weakness in the extremities, muscle stiffness, vision problems, memory problems, and more.
If your doctor suspects you may be suffering from a neck injury, they may order CT scans, X-rays, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to properly diagnose you and look for other possible injuries.
For minor injuries, your doctor may advise you to rest and use over-the-counter pain medications to manage your symptoms while healing.
Physical therapy may also be used to help you recover from your injuries if you have a limited range of motion and need help regaining strength lost due to your injuries. Physical therapists can also help you regain the strength you may have lost from your injuries.
If you have a herniated disc, your doctor may recommend corticosteroid injections if you are experiencing significant pain.
For a more severe injury, like a neck fracture, your doctor may refer you to an orthopedic surgeon to perform surgery to repair your upper spine.
It is important to discuss all treatment options with a medical professional to determine which plan is best for you.
If you’ve suffered neck injuries in a car accident, the experienced car accident attorneys at Regan Zambri Long can protect your rights and secure fair compensation. Our motor vehicle accident attorneys will evaluate your case and explain your legal options during a free initial consultation. Document all medical care and treatment plans thoroughly, as these records help demonstrate the extent of your injuries and strengthen your claim. You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Our skilled attorneys will handle negotiations with insurance companies and, if needed, represent you in court to ensure you receive fair compensation. To explore your legal options, contact Regan Zambri Long today for a consultation and guidance on the next steps.
