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Neck pain is a common problem for many people after a car accident, but why does it happen? During a crash, the seatbelt holds your body in place, but your head is not strapped in. This can cause your head to be tossed back and forth or sideways, which can potentially damage the soft tissues and vertebrae in your neck.
Neck injuries can happen in different ways. Due to the sudden force exerted on the head during a car accident, the impact can strain or tear muscles and ligaments in the neck. Additionally, these injuries may result from direct contact with parts of the vehicle during the collision.
Neck injuries are often determined by several factors, including the speed of the collision, the point of impact, whether the victim was wearing a seatbelt, and the position of their body at the time of the accident. While some neck injuries heal with rest and time, others can lead to long-term pain and complications.
Don’t ignore neck pain after a car accident. Your body may signal a more serious problem that needs to be treated immediately. Seek medical attention promptly. A doctor can assess the injury, determine the severity, and provide appropriate treatment. Early diagnosis and treatment can also help you if you need to make an insurance claim or seek compensation later.
Understanding The Different Types Of Neck Pain After A Car Crash
Neck pain can often be a debilitating consequence of car accidents, with symptoms ranging from mild discomfort to severe, long-term pain. The neck is particularly vulnerable in a collision since it receives virtually no protection from the crash’s impact. Several factors contribute to neck pain after a car accident, including soft tissue injuries, herniated discs, nerve compression, mild spinal cord injury, and joint irritation.
Seek medical attention right away after a car accident. What may seem like a minor issue could become more serious over time. Experienced car accident lawyers can connect you with medical specialists who can evaluate and treat your injury.
Neck Pain Due To Whiplash
Whiplash injuries are one of the most common neck traumas you can suffer in a motor vehicle accident, especially in rear-end collisions. It happens when your head and neck are suddenly jerked back and forth, causing damage to various parts of your neck, including the following:
- Cervical discs
- Intervertebral joints
- Ligaments
- Tendons
- Muscles
- Nerve roots
Some symptoms may not appear immediately after an accident; pain or discomfort can take 24 hours or more to surface. If you experience a mild case, you might recover in a few weeks. However, if left untreated, whiplash can lead to chronic neck pain, ongoing headaches, vertigo, and long-term stiffness.
Who Is More Likely To Sustain Whiplash?
Whiplash can happen to anyone injured in a car accident, but certain groups are more susceptible to severe or lasting injuries. You may be at higher risk if you belong to these groups:
- Older Adults (Over 65) — As people age, muscles and bones weaken, making older adults more prone to injuries, including whiplash.
- Women and People Assigned Female at Birth (AFAB) — According to the Cleveland Clinic, women and AFAB individuals are more likely to suffer from whiplash in car accidents. Several factors contribute to this:
- Body Size — Women and AFAB people tend to be smaller, which may increase the risk of whiplash.
- Spinal Structure — The spinal structure of women and AFAB individuals differs from that of men and people assigned male at birth (AMAB), which can influence how the vertebrae absorb impact in a collision.
- Muscle Differences — Women and AFAB individuals have less natural shock absorption to protect themselves from sudden impacts due to lower muscle mass.
- Vehicle Design — Smaller body size can also affect how well headrests and seat backs protect your head during a crash.
How Is Whiplash Diagnosed?
If you think you have whiplash, consider getting a check-up. Your doctor will start with a complete health history and a physical exam. They may also use tests like:
- X-Ray – This can check for bone damage, but it doesn’t show soft tissue injuries, which are common with whiplash.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) — An MRI uses magnets and a computer to create detailed images of your soft tissues, like muscles and ligaments.
- CT Scan — This is more detailed than an X-ray and can show problems in bones and soft tissues.
Whiplash injuries are classified into five grades based on symptoms:
- Grade 0 — The individual shows no signs of injury and reports no pain, stiffness, or discomfort.
- Grade 1 — The person experiences neck pain, stiffness, and soreness, but whiplash cannot be conclusively diagnosed through a medical exam.
- Grade 2 — The individual has a reduced range of motion and increased pain, and a medical evaluation confirms neck injuries associated with whiplash.
- Grade 3 — A medical exam confirms that the person has whiplash. They are in a lot of pain and have other problems, like muscle weakness and loss of sensation.
- Grade 4 — The individual complains of severe neck pain and possible spinal cord injury. Medical tests reveal fractures or dislocations in the cervical spine.
A Grade 4 injury can be severe and may cause permanent damage. Seek medical attention immediately after an accident to correctly diagnose and treat your injury.
How Is Whiplash Treated?
Treating whiplash usually starts with following your doctor’s advice to protect your neck and avoid further injury. You may be able to move your neck gently the next day, but only if your doctor says it’s safe.
Here are some standard treatment options:
- Painkillers — Doctors might recommend pain relief medication, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, muscle relaxants, or topical gels. Injections, like lidocaine or steroids, can also help with severe pain.
- Therapies — Besides pain relievers, other treatments may provide some benefit to whiplash patients. Gentle exercises, physical therapy, and chiropractic care may be recommended to restore movement and strength.
- Support Devices — A soft neck brace or collar might be used, but only for a short time and as needed. The goal is to avoid long-term immobilization.
- Heat and Ice — Use ice during the first 24 hours to reduce swelling, then apply heat to relax the muscles.
However, the earlier treatments might not provide enough relief for severe cases. In such situations, additional interventions may be necessary, such as:
- Surgery — This may be considered if symptoms like nerve damage, significant weakness, or mobility issues persist despite other treatments. Surgery can help address underlying problems, such as nerve compression or structural damage.
- Antibiotics — If signs of infection arise, such as redness or fever, antibiotics will be prescribed to treat and prevent complications.
Some people may still be in pain after trying all the treatments that are offered. If you’re having a hard time, a car accident attorney can help connect you with medical professionals who specialize in treating neck injuries so you may access the care you need.
How Can You Prevent Whiplash?
It can be challenging to predict or prevent whiplash because it occurs unexpectedly. However, there are simple steps you can take to reduce your risk of incurring whiplash in a car accident:
- Wear Your Seatbelt — Always buckle up. It’s one of the easiest ways to protect yourself from severe injuries.
- Adjust Your Seat — Keep your seat upright. Make sure your seat is adjusted to effectively support your back and neck.
- Correctly Position Your Headrest — Make sure the headrest is level with or slightly above the top of your head. Keep your head close to the headrest for better support during a collision.
While traffic accidents can’t always be avoided, taking these precautions can help protect your neck and reduce the chance of whiplash. Drive defensively, stay alert, and prioritize responsible driving habits to minimize risks and ensure a safe journey.
Other Common Causes Of Neck Pain After A Car Accident
Other things besides whiplash can cause neck pain after a car collision. The sudden force of a crash can lead to several other types of injuries that cause discomfort and limit movement. Here are the other common causes of neck pain:
Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis occurs when the space around the spinal cord or nerves narrows, leading to pressure and pain. It typically develops as people age, but it can also happen after a car accident. An accident might cause bone growths or a slipped disc that presses on the nerves in your neck, resulting in pain and other issues.
Herniated Discs
A car accident can create enough force to cause a herniated disc in the cervical (neck) or lumbar (lower back) region. This happens when the soft center of a spinal disc pushes through its tougher outer layer. It can put pressure on nearby nerves, leading to pain. For mild cases, rest and physical therapy can help. However, more serious cases may require surgery to relieve pain and restore function. Getting treatment quickly can help prevent long-term problems and improve chances of recovery.
Neck Strains And Sprains
The sudden jerking motion of a car accident can cause neck strains and sprains, damaging your neck muscles, ligaments, and tendons. You might experience symptoms like stiffness, pain, swelling, and trouble turning your head. Fortunately, these injuries often heal with rest, ice, and gentle physical therapy.
Mild Cervical Fractures (Broken Neck Bones)
The bones in your neck (cervical vertebrae) can break, resulting in a cervical vertebrae fracture. This serious injury requires urgent medical attention. In milder cases, you may experience neck discomfort, swelling, tenderness, or difficulty moving your head.
Spinal Cord And Disc Compression
The strong impact of a car accident can cause problems like herniated discs in the neck, which can lead to severe neck pain, numbness, or weakness. Additionally, the force can cause compression fractures, where the bones in the spine break down. This can result in sudden back pain, difficulty moving, and tingling sensations. In some instances, paralysis in the arms or legs may also occur.
Facet Joint Injuries
In a car crash, the small joints in your spine, called facet joints, can be damaged, leading to neck pain. These joints connect the bones in your back. If damaged, you might develop long-term issues like facet joint syndrome. Treatment usually involves pain relief injections, physical therapy, and, in some severe cases, surgery to help reduce pain and improve movement.
If you have neck pain after an accident, see a doctor quickly. Getting treatment early can help prevent minor injuries from turning into long-term problems. Additionally, a skilled lawyer experienced in car accident cases can connect you with experienced medical professionals who specialize in treating neck injuries. They can also help you navigate the claims process if you’re eligible to seek damages in a personal injury case, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and other related costs.
What Are The Symptoms Of A Neck Injury After A Car Accident?
You may find it hard to move your head after a car crash because your neck feels stiff or sore. Sometimes, the pain gets worse when you tilt or turn your head. It can also spread to your shoulders and arms. Your range of motion may be limited if moving your head is difficult or painful.
A neck injury doesn’t just stop at pain and stiffness. Your body may exhibit other signs that should not be ignored. Here are some common signs of a neck injury to watch out for:
- Nerve-Related Symptoms — Compression of the nerves in your neck can cause numbness, tingling, or a “pins-and-needles” sensation in your neck, shoulders, arms, or upper back. You may also experience muscle weakness in these areas, making moving or lifting things harder.
- Head and Neurological Problems — Headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, and tinnitus (ringing in the ears) are some neurological and head problems that can happen after a car crash. Stress, whiplash, or a headache could cause these signs. Don’t overlook these issues, as they could indicate more serious underlying problems.
- Emotional and Cognitive Signs — Difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, or thinking disorders can be emotional and mental signs of a neck injury. A concussion or stress from the accident can cause these symptoms. You may also experience emotional changes such as irritability, moodiness, or depression.
- Other Possible Symptoms of a Neck Injury — Neck injuries can lead to trouble sleeping, often due to pain or stress. You might also experience hoarseness or difficulty swallowing if the injury affects your throat. Additionally, visible bruising or swelling around the neck can be a physical sign of the injury.
How Common Are Neck Injuries In Car Accidents?
Neck injuries are a significant concern in car accidents. In the U.S., approximately 870,000 people are diagnosed with neck injuries following the roughly six million car accidents that occur annually. The majority of these injuries are soft tissue strains and sprains.
Data gathered by the National Library of Medicine indicates that severe neck injuries occur in 1 out of 300 vehicle occupants when accidents are severe enough to render vehicles undrivable. This risk increases to 1 in 14 for those ejected from their vehicles. Mostly, these serious incidents happen to people between the ages of 16 and 25 and affect the cervical spine and spinal cord. They cause almost 6,000 deaths and about 500 cases of quadriplegia every year.
Neck pain affects many people and is the fourth leading cause of years lived with a disability worldwide. In car accidents, 86% of injured occupants report having neck pain, and half of these people still have problems a year later. Studies show a strong correlation between collision-related neck injuries and the risk of future neck pain.
Compensation For Neck Pain After A Car Accident
Getting into a car accident can be a traumatic experience, especially if you end up with neck injuries. These injuries can lead to chronic pain and limit your mobility, affecting your daily life in ways you might not expect. Not only do you have to deal with physical discomfort, but you may also face financial challenges.
Filing a compensation claim may help alleviate the financial and emotional toll of the accident. Here’s what you might be entitled to pursue:
- Medical Expenses — Medical bills are often the most significant cost after an accident. Compensation can cover:
- Emergency room visits
- Diagnostic tests
- Surgeries
- Physical therapy
- Long-term care
- Lost Wages — A neck injury can prevent you from working, in which case your claim can include:
- Immediate lost wages
- Future lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and Suffering — This type of reparation addresses the physical and emotional impact of your injury, such as:
- Severity of pain
- Effects on daily life
- Emotional distress
- Diminished quality of life
- Effects on relationships
- Property Damage — If your vehicle or other property was damaged in the accident, you might be able to pursue compensation for repair or replacement costs.
- Miscellaneous Expenses — Other out-of-pocket costs related to your injury can also be included, such as:
- Medical appointment transportation.
- Home modifications to accommodate your injuries.
Your total compensation amount will depend on several factors, such as how bad your accident is, how it affects your ability to work, and how it’s made you feel. Experienced car accident attorneys can help you estimate the potential worth of your claim and pursue compensation that reflects your losses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Whiplash The Same As A Concussion?
Whiplash and concussion are not the same thing, although a sudden, violent impact could cause both. A whiplash injury is a neck injury affecting soft tissues, such as muscles and ligaments. A concussion, on the other hand, is an injury to the brain. Although both injuries can result from the same accident, they affect different body parts.
Why Can I Feel Pain Days Or Weeks After An Accident?
Feeling neck pain days or weeks after a car accident is possible. This delay can happen because it takes time for inflammation to build up and for symptoms to show. Even if you don’t feel pain immediately after the crash, it could develop as your body reacts to the injury. To help mitigate the pain and strengthen your neck, your primary physician might recommend other treatments, such as chiropractic care.
Chiropractic care can address whiplash, soft tissue injuries, and spinal misalignments. Chiropractors specialize in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal injuries, particularly those related to the spine. Spinal manipulation, also known as an adjustment, can help alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and improve the neck’s range of motion.
Can I Pursue Compensation If I Had A Pre-Existing Neck Injury?
If your pre-existing neck injury was worsened by a car accident, you can still file a compensation claim. Nonetheless, these cases can be challenging because they require strong medical evidence to show how the accident aggravated your injury. An experienced personal injury attorney can guide you through this process and help support your case.
However, you must act immediately, as a time limit exists to file your personal injury case. The statute of limitations in California is generally two years from the accident date, with exceptions applying in specific scenarios. If you miss this deadline, you’ll typically lose your right to seek compensation from the at-fault driver through a lawsuit.
Do I Need A Personal Injury Lawyer If I Suffered Neck Pain Due To A Car Accident?
It is not necessary to retain a personal injury lawyer if you suffer from neck pain due to a car accident. However, having one can still help you pursue compensation, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the claims process.
Neck injuries, like whiplash or herniated discs, can take a long time to heal. So, if you’re trying to pursue compensation for your pain and recovery, you might have a hard time dealing with the court and insurance processes on your own.
Here’s how our car accident attorneys can help:
- Explain your options and guide you through the claims process.
- Collect the necessary evidence to support your case.
- Estimate your personal injury compensation and negotiate with insurance companies.
- Represent you in court and advocate for your interests.
Complete our “Do I Have A Case?” form if you’d like to learn whether you have a valid claim. Let our skilled attorneys review your situation and help you understand your legal options.
Neck Pain After A Car Accident? Call Arash Law For Legal Help
As an established California personal injury law firm, we are committed to helping injured clients pursue compensation. Our team works to provide personalized, comprehensive legal support during their recovery.
Financial concerns don’t have to prevent you from seeking compensation. That’s why our clients don’t pay up front and are only charged attorney’s fees if they recover compensation. This contingency fee arrangement aims to help injured victims access legal representation. However, clients may still be asked to shoulder other case-related costs outside of this agreement, regardless of how their claim resolves.
Our California personal injury lawyers are ready to advocate for your rights. If you’ve been injured in a car accident and are suffering from neck pain, call us at (888) 488-1391 or complete our contact form to schedule a free initial consultation.
