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Writer's pictureHolly Wild

Neck Pain After A Car Accident - Got Whiplash?

Updated: Aug 21

May 116 2023



Whiplash
Neck Pain After A Car Accident

Neck pain resulting from a car accident can often lead to a stiff neck, similar to the sensation of tightness or discomfort in the neck. The onset of neck pain may be immediate or delayed by hours or days after the incident.


Even if you have experienced a stiff neck previously, the impact of a car collision can cause more severe harm, underscoring the importance of seeking timely medical assistance.


Experiencing pain following a car accident? A traumatic injury such as a spinal fracture, herniated disc, or whiplash could be the cause and necessitate immediate medical intervention.


This article will outline the reasons behind neck pain following a car crash, the specific neck regions impacted, typical symptoms, indicators for seeking medical attention, factors that increase risk, and various types of neck injuries. Additionally, it will cover the process of diagnosis, available treatment choices, and resources for assistance in New York.


Causes of Neck Pain from a Car Accident


When a car accident occurs, your neck may undergo rapid forward-backward jerking or vigorous side-to-side movements as a result of the collision. While seat belts can secure your body, your neck typically bears the brunt of the impact. Additionally, debris from either inside or outside the vehicle may strike your neck. Pre-tensing your muscles prior to an accident can heighten the likelihood of straining and injuring different neck structures, such as ligaments, muscles, discs, nerves, joints, tendons, or bones.


Whiplash Neck Pain After A Car Accident
Whiplash Neck Pain After A Car Accident


Areas of the Neck Affected

Comprising seven small bones known as cervical vertebrae, the neck is a fragile structure enclosed by intervertebral discs and linked by facet joints. These elements facilitate the movement of your head. The neck is an integral part of your spinal column, which is divided into the subaxial spine and the craniocervical junction. Injuries often affect cervical discs, strained or torn ligaments, or other small tissues in the neck region.


Symptoms of Neck Injuries

Following any car accident, symptoms of neck injuries can vary in severity and may not manifest immediately. Typical signs of neck injuries post-accident include:


  • Difficulty turning the neck after a car crash

  • Stiffness or heaviness in the neck due to stretching of muscles, joints, nerves, intervertebral discs, and ligaments

  • Pain when looking up or down

  • Throbbing headaches

  • Dizziness, nausea, or possibly vertigo

  • Sharp shooting pains

  • Tenderness in the neck or skull

  • Sensation of chills or fever

  • Numbness in the back or shoulders

  • Extreme fatigue or lethargy

  • Muscle spasms

  • Memory issues

  • Difficulty falling asleep

  • Irritability or mood swings

  • Swelling and inflammation

  • Numbness or tingling in the arms

  • Blurred vision or ringing in the ears


When to Take Neck Pain After a Car Accident Seriously

Experiencing mild pain, stiffness, nausea, and severe discomfort following a car accident that seemed minor? If you have persistent severe neck pain for days after the incident, it is essential to seek prompt advice from an orthopedic specialist. Many personal injury insurance plans (No-Fault) provide coverage for such situations.quire immediate diagnosis and treatment after an accident to prevent further injury.


Common Neck Injury Risk Factors

Various factors can lead to or exacerbate a neck injury, such as:


  • Prior neck injury or trauma

  • High-velocity collision

  • Repetitive neck movements at work

  • Incorrect posture or ergonomics

  • Previous history of neck issues


Types of Neck Injuries After a Car Accident

Various neck injuries can result from car accidents, even minor ones, including:


  1. Cervical Spondylolisthesis: In a collision, vertebrae can be pushed out of alignment, putting pressure on nerves or the spinal cord and causing pain in the head or shoulders.

  2. Slipped or Herniated Disc: During a crash, the discs in the cervical spine may slip or rupture, leading to neck or arm pain, numbness, or tingling.

  3. Neck Sprain or Strain: Muscle strains, tendon strains, or torn ligaments can occur, resulting in pain and limited mobility.

  4. Pinched Nerve: Many neck injuries can result in nerve compression, causing intense pain and tingling.

  5. Stiff Muscles and Tendons: Neck pain often causes stiffness and discomfort.

  6. Facet Joint Injury: These joints can become inflamed or irritated after a collision, leading to pain.

  7. Neck Fracture or Compression: A fractured cervical spine is a serious injury that requires immediate medical attention.

  8. Cuts and Lacerations: Debris from an accident can cause cuts that may harm neck tendons and ligaments.

  9. Muscle Spasms: Muscle cramps can occur due to muscle tension and inflammation.


Most Common Neck Injury: Whiplash

Whiplash is the predominant neck injury following a car crash, occurring due to abrupt hyperextension and hyperflexion of the cervical vertebrae, leading to ligament sprains. Prompt treatment is advised, as whiplash may result in enduring symptoms.


Diagnosis Of Neck Pain After A Car Accident

If you are experiencing neck pain following a car accident, it is advisable to consult a physician for evaluation. It's important to seek medical attention if you feel any discomfort in your neck after a car accident.


An Orthopedic Specialist might utilize X-rays, CT scans, or MRI scans to examine potential traumatic damage to the cervical spinal cord. If the condition is serious, they may recommend a consultation with an orthopedic surgeon. Swift treatment is crucial to avoid long-lasting neck discomfort.


Treatment Options For Neck Pain After A Car Accident

Neck pain treatment options may involve:


  • Utilizing ice and moist heat

  • Utilizing pain relievers such as acetaminophen or NSAIDs

  • Using a cervical collar or neck brace for a limited period

  • Receiving Auto Injury Physical Therapy

  • Undergoing Car Accident Chiropractic Care

  • Considering epidural steroid injections

  • Considering surgery for severe injuries resulting from car accidents


Seeing an Orthopedist or a Chiropractor After a Car Accident


Recovering from a car accident can be a tough experience, both physically and emotionally. The professionals at NYPMR New York Orthopedics are here to assist you in getting back on track and resuming your regular routine.


If you're suffering from neck pain following a car accident in New York, make an appointment with NYPMD New York Orthopedics for specialized treatment. Alternatively, you can contact  1 (800) 929-0849 for a New York personal injury doctor near me.


Resources:


Injurymap, CC BY 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons


By BruceBlaus - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=44921287



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