Understanding Neck Pain After a Car Accident
Neck pain is one of the most common injuries following a car accident. Unfortunately, many people assume it’s just temporary stiffness that will go away on its own. However, what seems like mild discomfort may indicate severe underlying damage that, if left untreated, may result in significant health consequences. During a crash, your head isn’t restrained, so the force can push it back and forth violently, straining muscles and ligaments. Because of the adrenaline during the crash, you may not realize the symptoms immediately; that’s why seeking medical attention is crucial. This can ensure that a minor issue doesn’t escalate into a significant problem.
What Causes Neck Pain After an Accident?
The sudden force of a car crash can place extreme stress on your neck. While a seatbelt restrains your body, your head and neck aren’t restrained, making these parts absorb most of the movement. Also, if you brace for impact, muscles can tense, increasing the likelihood of strain or injury. Some of the most common causes of neck disease include:
- Whiplash: This is the rapid back-and-forth motion of the head
- Direct impact: Debris or airbag deployment can strike your neck
- Compression injuries: The force of a collision can put pressure on spinal discs, nerves, and joints.
Symptoms of a Neck Injury
Neck pain isn’t always immediate. Some symptoms can take hours or even days to develop. Some common signs that you suffered a severe neck injury include:
- Stiffness and being unable to move your neck from side to side
- Throbbing or sharp pain that moves to your back or shoulders
- Headaches, dizziness, or nausea
- Shooting pain
- Muscle spasms in the neck area
- Numbness or tingling in your arms
- Difficulty concentrating or memory problems
- Ringing in your ears or blurred vision
- Mood changes, including anxiety or depression
Common Neck Injuries After a Car Accident
Some of the most common neck injuries include the following:
Whiplash: Whiplash is the most frequent neck injury in car accidents. It occurs when the head snaps back and forth too quickly and can damage muscles, ligaments, and nerves, leading to prolonged pain if not treated properly.
Cervical Fractures: This can occur when the cervical vertebrae crack or break, resulting in significant pain, swelling, and limited movement.
Muscle Spasms: After an accident, muscle spasms can occur as the body attempts to protect the hurt muscles, which can lead to inflammation.
Spinal Cord and Disc Compression: The force of a crash can cause herniated discs or compression fractures in the spine. In extreme cases, it may even cause partial paralysis.
Facet Joint Injuries: Facet joints allow one to move one’s head and neck freely and stabilize the parts. After an accident, they can become inflamed, resulting in pain.
Stiff Muscles and Tendons: Neck stiffness, sometimes called a “crick in the neck,” can make it painful to turn or hold your head in one position for a long time.
Can You Seek Compensation for Neck Injuries?
If your neck pain resulted from a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you might be entitled to compensation. Depending on the severity of your injuries and the impact on your daily life, you may recover damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and other accident-related costs.
Legal Help Is Available
If you’re suffering from neck pain after a car accident, don’t wait until it worsens. Contact our experienced London, KY auto accident lawyer at Cessna & George Law Firm today to discuss your options and secure the compensation you deserve.
