Neck Injuries from Car Accidents

22 Nov Neck Injuries from Car Accidents

Car accidents are incredibly traumatic, and no one is ever entirely prepared for the mental and physical consequences. The physical effects, in particular, appear in a wide range of conditions and severity levels, including neck injuries.

During an automobile accident, the body undergoes a variety of unusual motions. And while seatbelts improve our chances of surviving a car accident, they overtly subject the head and neck to different unnatural movements, resulting in severe pressure on the neck. As a result, we’ll look at some of the most prevalent automobile accident neck injuries, symptoms, and treatments.

Neck Injury Symptoms

Neck injuries feature various symptoms, all of which differ based on severity. Some victims manifest these symptoms immediately after the accident; however, delayed symptoms are also possible. Whichever the case may be, neck injury symptoms should not be ignored, as they could range from minor stiffness to more severe spinal damage. Here are some common symptoms of a neck injury:

• Neck stiffness
• Piercing or throbbing pain in the neck, back, and shoulder areas
• Tenderness in the neck or back of the skull
• Inability to carry out basic neck movements without feeling pain
• Headaches
• Fever
• Issues with memory
• Neck muscle spasms
• Blurred vision or ringing sound in the ear
• Numb arms

Pains are an inseparable aspect of neck injuries which could point to either a minor or severe condition. Time is a significant yardstick used to judge the severity of a neck injury. If pain in the neck continues and worsens after several weeks of self-care, it might point to severe damage.

Types of Neck Injuries from Car Accidents

Neck injuries from a car accident can take different forms, depending on the type of collision and severity of the impact. For instance, whiplash – the most common neck injury from accidents – results mainly from rear-end collisions. In considering different types of car accidents, here are some of the most common neck injuries:

• Disc Herniation

This occurs when the invertebrate discs in the spine suffer damage, including a bulge, rupture, slippage, or herniation. Damage to these discs results in pains and discomfort in the neck and back and mainly occurs from side-impact collisions.

• Neck Sprain And Strain

Strains affect the joints, soft tissues, and tendons connecting the bones and muscles in the neck. Sprains, on the other hand, refer to torn ligaments in the neck. Both injuries make it difficult to move the head and the neck.

• Stiffness

Aside from damage, the muscles and tendons in the neck can also become sore and stiff following a car accident. Stiffness results in discomfort in moving the neck and can limit mobility; however, it’s mostly for a short period.

• Neck Fractures

These injuries are much more severe and can result in permanent disability and death. Fractures to the neck occur when one or more bones connected to the spine are broken. Neck fractures can also damage spinal nerves; hence, victims of this injury require immediate medical care.

The neck is an integral part of the spinal column that incorporates various nerves that connect different body parts with the brain. As such, a neck injury can jeopardize other areas of the body. Car accident victims must, therefore, take thorough tests as soon as possible to identify the extent of damage and if medical care is required.

At Colorado Accident and Injury, we focus on employing the best treatment options for addressing your neck injuries. We use some of the most effective neck injury treatments, including chiropractic care, medications, and physical therapy, to help you heal and regain mobility.