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Neck injuries are some of the most common injuries from car accidents. People suffering from neck injuries consider them to be life-altering because they disrupt their lives in so many ways. To know if your neck injury from a car accident is severe, you need to consider the effects on one’s quality of life.
When the neck injury is severe, doing everyday activities becomes a hurdle as they are accompanied by chronic pain. Even when the effects are minimal, the discomfort caused can restrict one’s ability to work or play. The disruptive effects of neck injury make learning more about them very important.
What Causes Neck Injuries When Car Accidents Occur?
When traveling in a car, seat belts hold your body safely in place. Despite being a vulnerable body part, nothing protects your neck. So, when a collision happens, the motion caused by the impact sends your head jerking forward. For instance, Mayo Clinic states that whiplash caused by sudden and vigorous movement of the neck causes injury to tendons, ligaments, muscles, and joints at the spine.
In scenarios where you anticipate a crash, you might reduce the effects when you brace for impact. However, tensing your muscles can cause strain as the body takes the stress from the impact. Either way, accidents can cause different levels of neck injury, leaving you in a vulnerable position.
Serious Types of Neck Injuries Caused by Car Accidents
After a car accident, the neck injuries experienced might not be easy to identify. The symptoms might take hours or even days to manifest. These common neck-related injuries represent the variety of damages that can be felt after an accident.
Whiplash
If you feel stiff and numb around your neck or experience pain in your shoulder and arm after an accident, you might have whiplash. Whiplash is caused by the sudden back and forward motion caused by a crash. The movement causes damage and tears to nerves and muscles in the neck, with effects that last a few days or even months.
If you experience neck strain after an accident, you should seek help. Immediate treatment helps to resolve the symptoms of whiplash sooner.
Neck Fracture
Healthline reports that if you experience pain or tingling or lose feeling in your limbs after an accident, you might be suffering from a neck fracture. Neck or cervical fractures are scary injuries that you will often feel immediately.
Avoiding movement is critical after a neck fracture occurs or if you suspect you have one. The improper movement might cause further harm, such as paralysis. Once this type of injury occurs, you should seek medical assistance or visit a doctor immediately.
Skin Lacerations and Cuts
Serious accidents cause glass and other objects to fly, posing a risk to anyone in the vicinity. Cuts and lacerations can damage tendons, ligaments, and even major vessels in the neck. When you notice bleeding or cuts on or near the neck, paying attention to them can save your life.
In most cases, skin lacerations to the neck are puncture wounds, where the glass cuts a portion of the skin. In worst-case scenarios, debris might enter the skin, creating a penetrating wound. Whichever form, a medical professional should treat the damage with immediate first aid and medical assistance.
Cervical Herniated Disc
Mayo Clinic reports that when you notice a sharp or burning pain in your arm and shoulder, you might have a cervical herniated disk. Herniated disks often arise from high-impact collisions that are so powerful they dislodge intervertebral disks from the cervical spine. When herniated disks occur, they can create compression of nerves in the spinal cord.
Some symptoms include pain, weakness, and numbness in the arm. Luckily, herniated disks can often be managed by a combination of physical therapy and over-the-counter (OTC) medication.
Why You Should Not Ignore a Neck Injury After an Accident
Motor vehicle accidents have many consequences that directly affect the injured party. While it’s possible to be distracted by the damage to the vehicle or more visible injuries, it’s vital to pay attention to your neck. Neck injuries can lead to headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and pain restricting movement. These injuries can lead to a lifetime of pain and even disability if one is not careful.
Untreated neck pain can last long after an accident, causing headaches and mental disorders. Neck injuries can also make it hard to sleep, exercise, and concentrate at work. These consequences make checking for neck injuries a priority for all accident victims.
How George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers Help Neck Injury Victims
If you or a loved one suspects they suffered from a neck injury after an accident, get professional help. After making an appointment with your healthcare provider, call George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers to learn your options.
If you seek compensation for accident-related injuries, retaining legal representation can make all the difference. We offer a free case evaluation. Get help that combines justice, compassion, and legal assistance.