Posted on Friday, March 27th, 2020 at 12:18 am
Neck pain is a common symptom experienced by many people after a car accident. However, what does neck pain indicate? Is neck pain a symptom of a serious car accident injury? Will it go away by itself in a few days or weeks?
These questions can only be answered by a medical professional. Neck pain is an example of why it is important to seek medical treatment after a car accident. Neck pain could be a mild case of whiplash that will go away with time and rest. However, neck pain could also indicate a more serious injury that can worsen without proper medical treatment.
After a car accident, it is wise to see a doctor as soon as possible. Also, it is wise to seek legal advice from a Sacramento car accident attorney. Contact The Tiemann Law Firm now for a free consultation with one of our personal injury lawyers in Sacramento.
Why Do I Have Neck Pain After an Auto Accident?
Your neck pain could indicate damage to one or more of the soft tissues of the neck. In a car crash, a whiplash motion or twisting can injure your neck. The initial impact of the collision can cause a great deal of force causing your head to be thrown back and forth or side to side. This violent motion can cause severe damage to the discs, ligaments, vertebrae, and arteries of the neck.
A common neck injury from car accidents is whiplash. Rear-end crashes can cause the head to be whipped back and forth causing damage to the soft tissues of the neck. However, whiplash can occur in other types of car accidents which cause the neck to twisted or the head to be thrown from side to side.
The discs are the “shock absorbers” between the vertebrae (bones) of the neck. When these discs are torn or damaged, you can experience severe pain and decreased mobility. Over-stretched or torn ligaments can also create chronic pain and numbness. Untreated artery injuries can result in a life-threatening condition, such as a stroke.
A broken neck is very serious. Broken vertebrae can sever or pinch the nerves in the spinal column. In severe cases, paralysis is possible because of a neck injury sustained in a car accident.
Do Not Make This Common Mistake with Neck Injuries
If you have symptoms of a neck injury after a car accident, do not ignore the symptoms or self-medicate. See a doctor to obtain a correct diagnosis. You may be able to treat the injury at home. With rest, heat/cold packs, and over-the-counter pain medications. However, until a doctor diagnoses the injury, you cannot be sure that your neck pain is not an indication of a serious injury.
Common symptoms of a neck injury include, but are not limited to:
- Pain
- Stiffness and reduced range of motion
- Chills and fever
- Tenderness
- Headaches
- Shoulder pain
- Back pain
- Difficulty with coordination or concentration
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Numbness or tingling in the extremities
- Disruption of daily activities
If you experience any of the above symptoms, it is good to see a physician.
Contact Our Sacramento Car Accident Attorneys for a Free Case Review
Ignoring neck pain after a car crash can result in a lifetime of chronic pain and impairments. See a medical professional and contact a Sacramento car accident attorney for help.
To schedule a free consultation, contact The Tiemann Law Firm by calling (916) 999-9000 or by visiting our website.
