Why Does My Neck Hurt After A Car Accident?

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 cause damage to 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 impact of the crash. 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. Top-rated car accident lawyers can connect you with top medical specialists to ensure your injury is thoroughly evaluated and treated.

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:

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 involved 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 diagnose and treat your injury correctly.

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 treatments mentioned earlier 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 issues, 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 connect you with the best medical professionals specializing in neck injuries and ensure you get 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 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 so it effectively supports 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 happens when the area around your spinal cord or nerves gets narrower, which can lead to pressure and pain. It typically develops as people get older but 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 is important to 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

In a car accident, the strong impact can cause problems like herniated discs in the neck, which can lead to bad 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 get hurt, leading to neck pain. These joints connect the bones in your back, and if they are damaged, you might develop long-term issues like facet joint syndrome. Treatment usually involves pain relief injections, physical therapy, and, in some serious cases, surgery to help reduce pain and improve movement.

If you have neck pain after an accident, it’s important to see a doctor quickly. Getting treatment early can help prevent minor injuries from turning into long-term problems. Additionally, a skilled lawyer specializing in car accident cases can connect you with experienced medical professionals who specialize in treating neck injuries. They can also help you navigate the legal process to ensure you can claim damages in your 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 you need 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 issues.
• 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 can help you alleviate a neck injury’s financial and emotional toll. Here’s what you might be entitled to:

• 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, and 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, including:
  • 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 recover 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 things, 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 determine how much your claim is worth and ensure you get the right amount of money.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Whiplash The Same As A Concussion?

Whiplash and concussion are not the same thing, although a sudden, violent impact causes 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 typical. This delay happens 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 strengthen 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 two years from the accident date. If you miss this deadline, you could lose your right to seek compensation from the at-fault driver.

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 increase your chances of getting a better outcome.

Neck injuries, like whiplash or herniated discs, can take a long time to heal. So, if you’re trying to get 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 strengthen your case.
• Calculate your personal injury compensation and negotiate with insurance companies.
• Represent you in court and fight for your best interests.

If you believe you have a strong claim, fill out our “Do I Have A Case?” form. Let our skilled attorneys review your situation and help you understand your legal options.

Sustained Neck Pain And Other Injuries After A Car Accident? Call Arash Law For Legal Help

As one of California’s best personal injury law firms, we are committed to fighting for justice and securing the compensation you deserve. Our team ensures clients receive personalized, compassionate legal support during their recovery.

Financial concerns shouldn’t prevent you from seeking justice. That’s why our clients don’t pay upfront fees and only pay if we recover compensation for them. This arrangement ensures you can pursue the justice you deserve without financial risk.

With offices across California, we ensure expert legal support is always nearby. Our personal injury lawyers are ready to fight for your rights regardless of where you are. If you’ve been injured in a car accident and are suffering from neck pain, don’t wait. Call us at (888) 488-1391 or complete our contact form today.