Car accidents frequently cause pain and suffering, especially when they directly impact more sensitive (injury-prone) body parts, such as the neck. The neck is incredibly vulnerable due to its complex network of bones, ligaments, muscles, and nerves, which are all essential for supporting the head and facilitating movement.
Hence, if you’ve sustained common post-accident neck injuries like whiplash, fractures, or herniated discs, you must do your due diligence and seek immediate medical attention to get the necessary treatment, prevent or reduce damage, and ensure your well-being.
By prioritizing your health, you can accelerate recovery and then focus on the next step – holding the responsible party accountable for their actions by filing a personal injury claim.
The impact of a car collision often causes your head to move abruptly as the seatbelt secures your entire body in place. This sudden back-and-forth neck movement strains the muscles and ligaments and often causes hypertension and hyperflexion of the cervical spine. Moreover, the aftermath of the movement causes sharp, usually excruciating pain. In extreme cases, it can lead to injuries that incur steep medical bills and long recovery periods.
The risk of neck pain after a car accident increases when the driver knows a collision or crash is imminent. In these situations, the body tenses up the muscles as a self-defense mechanism, resulting in further muscle strain and damage to discs, joints, tendons, bones, etc.
The neck’s complex structure features seven bones in the upper spinal column separated by intervertebral discs and connected by facet joints. Together, they form the cervical vertebrae, enabling you to pivot your head. The discs are the first line of defense during impact. They absorb shock to reduce or prevent strains, fractures, and muscle tears.
However, depending on the severity, they might not always successfully prevent neck pain after a car accident or injury. Therefore, you shouldn’t delay treatment and play your part in minimizing the risk of chronic pain and severe injury.
There are numerous neck injury symptoms that you may experience after a car accident. However, these symptoms may not occur immediately. Usually, they appear after 2-3 weeks following the accident.
Following impact, the body activates its fight or flight mechanism by releasing a pain-blocking hormone – Adrenaline. Sometimes, it takes a while before the adrenaline rush subsides. Hence, you may not initially feel neck pain after a car accident. But, the symptoms will slowly become more prominent later.
Here are some of the most common symptoms:
A car collision can result in injuries from head to toe. However, if we focus on the neck in particular, here are the injuries that usually occur:
Cervical Spondylolisthesis is a potentially life-threatening neck injury. It occurs when one vertebra in the neck slips back and forth relative to the one below it. The injury affects the cervical spine, leading to sharp neck pain. Some victims also feel numbness, arms tingling, blurred vision, and other symptoms.
Although the injury is serious, it can become catastrophic in major car accidents. In other words, the severity of neck pain after a car accident due to Cervical Spondylolisthesis depends on how badly the crash or collision compresses the nerve roots and spinal cord.
The higher the compression, the greater the risk of neurological deficits and other complications. In relatively minor cases, victims can recover in 3-4 weeks. Conversely, complicated cases can take six weeks or longer, along with long-term medication, physical therapy, and cervical traction.
Plus, if these treatments are ineffective, your doctor may suggest surgery to fix your spine and decompress the damaged nerves.
Besides cervical Spondylolisthesis, you could also suffer from a herniated disc. This injury occurs when the neck moves side-to-side or back and forth quickly during a collision, especially a rear-end impact. It causes severe neck pain after a car accident and often results in a herniated disc with compressed spinal cord nerves.
In severe cases, you could also suffer from disc rupture or bulging. When this happens, a jelly-like material encroaches on other vertebrae, compressing even more nerves and starting a ripple effect. This sends a distress signal to the entire neck and even other body parts, causing excruciating pain and numbness.
If you don’t treat it promptly, it could reduce mobility and quality of life.
Whiplash is a neck injury caused by a sudden yet forceful jerking motion of the head backward and forward (similar to whipping). It strains or sprains the muscles and ligaments in the neck area.
It’s one of the many accidents with symptoms appearing shortly after the collision. Hence, they may result in severe neck pain and stiffness. Victims may not be able to move their necks or turn their heads comfortably. Some could get a bad headache and experience cognitive issues like poor focus or information recall. Of course, most of these issues are temporary as long as you seek medical attention.
However, the severity of whiplash symptoms varies from person to person, influenced by factors such as the speed and impact of the collision. While some victims may experience mild symptoms that resolve within a few weeks, others may suffer more severe and prolonged discomfort.
Whiplash can impact your daily life activities as you continue to struggle with pain and limited mobility in the affected area.
Therefore, treatment is necessary. Understanding its symptoms and consequences can minimize neck pain after a car accident and promote healing and recovery.
A pinched nerve injury (radiculopathy) occurs when sudden neck movement exerts too much pressure on the nerves. In such a situation, multiple internal structures and tissues push against the nerve, causing radiated pain.
According to a Harvard study, pain and discomfort from a pinched nerve can last for over two months in more than 67 percent of the victims. During this period, you can experience the following:
·Loss of motion
·Disrupted sleep due to discomfort
·Inability or reluctance to complete daily tasks without help, including cleaning, running errands, etc.
If you don’t seek treatment immediately, prolonged suffering from a pinched nerve can result in an endless cycle of inflammation, exhaustion, and pain. Apart from physical pain, many victims also experience mental anguish, which can impact their overall well-being.
Neck sprains occur when muscle tissue and ligaments tear. They’re usually minor but can be quite painful and annoying since they reduce mobility and cause muscle spasms. Fortunately, you can restore mobility and strength in days or weeks with ice or heat therapy, over-the-counter medication, and physical therapy. However, you should see a doctor and follow the best action toward recovery.
Facet joints facilitate movement & stability in the neck and head region. They ensure smooth and controlled motion. During a car accident, the abrupt and forceful nature of the impact can disrupt the delicate balance of these joints.
Hence, these joints may become inflamed or irritated, causing intense neck pain after a car accident.
Stiff muscles and tendons are common post-accident injuries that occur mainly when the neck undergoes sudden and forceful movements. The stiffness is characterized by tightness sensation and discomfort, which can impede movement quickly. If you’ve ever had a “crick in the neck,” think of this as a minor or major step up.
Since many car accidents are high-impact, the collision’s abrupt and unexpected nature subjects the victim’s neck to rapid acceleration and hyperextension. Simply put, it strains and traumatizes the cervical spine muscles, ligaments, and tendons. The resulting pain and stiffness are due to micro-tears, swelling, and inflammation.
The symptoms of stiff muscles and tendons in the neck include pain, restricted motion, and stiffness. Individuals may find it painful and even uncomfortable to move their heads or maintain the same position for an extended period. But that’s not all. Victims of car accidents suffering from stiff muscles and tendons may be unable to perform activities requiring turning the head or tilting in specific directions.
Hence, you should seek treatment. Your physician may recommend a multifaceted approach to manage stiff muscles and tendons in the neck. This approach reduces pain, inflammation, and muscle tension while promoting healing and restoring mobility.
Fractures are among the most common bodily injuries victims sustain after a car accident. However, a broken neck is arguably the most painful fracture you can have since it happens when you break one or more of the seven bones in your cervical spine. Hence, it demands immediate medical attention to prevent or reduce damage to your spinal cord.
Depending on the fracture severity, you could be paralyzed or even die in worst-case scenarios. Therefore, if you notice excruciating neck pain after a car accident, see a doctor right away so they can check for neck fractures. By being proactive and diligent, you can hopefully avoid permanent nerve or spinal cord damage.
During an accident, debris could cause cuts and lacerations to the neck area. Superficial cuts often result in bruising and minor bleeding. However, lacerations are deeper. In fact, they can pose a more significant risk.
Laceration can also damage neck tendons and ligaments in extreme cases. Since they’re so deep, they may require stitches to promote proper healing and minimize the risk of infection.
Finally, muscle spasms are fairly common after a car accident. They force the neck muscles to tense up or overstretch after the impact, resulting in craps in the shoulders, arms, and other parts.
The injury occurs because the body contracts as a protective mechanism. It immobilizes the injured muscles, which leads to rapid tightening and loosening. This further results in significant pain and discomfort.
The onset of muscle spasms may be delayed as inflammation builds up in the affected area over time. In other words, victims will likely feel uncomfortable in the first few days following an accident due to less mobility.
Let’s take a look at some of the most frequently asked questions about neck pain after a car accident:
Now that you’re up to speed with neck injuries after a car accident, let’s talk about diagnosis and treatment. As mentioned earlier, neck pain or injuries are not apparent immediately, so you must seek medical attention to find out:
Doing so will help you learn what kind of neck injury you’re dealing with, the treatment, expenses, and recovery time. The diagnostic process starts with your medical history, current symptoms, and pre-existing conditions, such as back pain or neck arthritis. Pre-existing conditions can contribute to or even worsen neck pain after an accident.
A physical examination follows, focusing on assessing the following:
·Neck motion range
·Tenderness
·Swelling
Your physician could also recommend neurological tests to evaluate muscle reflexes, strength, and sensation in your hands and arms.
These tests include CT scans, MRI scans, and X-rays. The results will help the physician visualize the structures of the cervical spine and identify abnormalities such as fractures, herniated discs, and soft tissue injuries.
The results of these tests provide valuable information and help the physician determine the best and individualized treatment in your case.
Additional diagnostic tests, such as electromyography and nerve conduction studies, may sometimes be performed. These are performed to assess nerve function and identify any nerve compression or damage.
When you’re injured in a car accident, call an ambulance and the police to get medical attention and report the incident. Following treatment, hire a personal injury car accident lawyer in Florida for legal representation. These legal experts will investigate the case, collect evidence, and file a claim, ensuring you are fairly compensated for Loss and injuries.
It is advisable to consult a car accident attorney. They can determine the viability of a lawsuit for neck injuries from a car crash. An attorney will analyze the case specifics, providing informed guidance on the most appropriate steps.
Should you proceed with a lawsuit, your lawyer will play a pivotal role in compiling evidence to strengthen your case. They will battle for a fair settlement that adequately compensates for your damages and losses. With their expertise and support, you can seek rightful compensation and get the best medical treatment for neck and other injuries.
Since the severity of neck pain and types of neck injuries vary, so does the treatment. Your physician will determine a personalized treatment plan after a medical evaluation.
The neck pain and injury treatment options are divided into non-surgical and surgical methods.
Non-surgical treatments include the following:
Ice therapy involves applying ice to the neck for a few days. Once the Swelling reduces, you can apply moist heat for pain relief.
·Pain relievers (NSAIDS and acetaminophen)
·Use neck collar/brace
·Physical therapy
·Radiofrequency ablation
·Spinal cord stimulator
·Chiropractic techniques like massage and gentle stretching
·Epidural steroid injections
On the other hand, in cases of severe neck injuries, surgical intervention may become imperative. Surgical treatments for a neck injury after a car accident are:
·Kyphoplasty: This outpatient procedure targets fractured spine vertebrae, aiming to alleviate pain and restore vertebral height.
·Fusion surgery: This procedure aims to stabilize the neck by fusing adjacent spinal discs, often recommended for conditions like spinal instability.
·Microdiscectomy: This surgery involves the removal of a herniated disc or bone spur, typically performed to relieve pressure on spinal nerves.
·Robotic spine surgery: Utilizing the latest technology, this surgical method addresses issues like lumbar stenosis, offering precise and minimally invasive treatment options.
You can take some crucial steps to minimize the risk of neck injuries. For example, when you sit in your car, ensure your vehicle’s headrest is positioned correctly to support your neck and head. Besides this, you should always wear your seatbelt. If you’re partially responsible for your neck pain after a car accident, practice safe driving habits, obey traffic laws, and remain attentive and alert while behind the wheel.
Recovery time for neck pain varies depending on the nature and extent of the injury. While some individuals may experience relief within a few days or weeks with conservative treatment, others may require more extended rehabilitation. It’s essential to follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations & attend all scheduled medical appointments for optimal recovery.
Our seasoned car accident lawyers are dedicated to assisting you after a car crash, ensuring you receive fair compensation for neck and other injuries and any losses incurred. With hundreds of successful litigations under our belt, we have the expertise to handle personal injury claims, insurance companies, and the legal process.
Madalon Law is committed to securing the compensation you deserve and offers a free initial consultation to assess your neck injury after a car accident case. Our Florida personal injury lawyers can help you determine the best legal course of action.
Most people are not aware of how the law works, the rights they have and the amount of compensation they can be entitled to after they have been injured in an accident that was the result of another party’s negligence. The obstacles and confusion that follow an accident and an injury can seem overwhelming.
