March 28, 2024

Neck Pain After A Car Accident: Causes & Common Injuries – Forbes

The term “whiplash” is commonly used to describe the range of neck injuries resulting from forceful and extreme snapping and jerking, akin to cracking a whip. However, before claiming whiplash from a car accident, consider consulting a personal injury lawyer, as this term has come to be associated with fake or exaggerated personal injury claims.

Whiplash-type injuries may be better addressed by their technical names, such as hyperextension or hyperflexion, a my…….

The term “whiplash” is commonly used to describe the range of neck injuries resulting from forceful and extreme snapping and jerking, akin to cracking a whip. However, before claiming whiplash from a car accident, consider consulting a personal injury lawyer, as this term has come to be associated with fake or exaggerated personal injury claims.

Whiplash-type injuries may be better addressed by their technical names, such as hyperextension or hyperflexion, a myofascial injury, neck sprain or strain, cervical strain or sprain and more.

Causes of Neck Pain After a Car Accident

The impact from a collision may expose the head and neck to sudden and rapid movements, especially while the body is restrained by a seatbelt, which can result in your neck taking the majority of the blunt force. Rear-end collisions are particularly likely to result in neck injuries.

Additionally, when you realize an accident is about to occur, the body’s natural response may be to tense up muscles. This actually increases the risk of injury, which may include muscle strain and damage to the ligaments, muscles, discs, nerves, joints, tendons or bones in your neck.

You may also experience neck pain or injury due to flying debris from inside or outside your vehicle.

It is critical to seek medical attention immediately following a car accident. If neck pain is not evaluated and treated by a physician or licensed medical professional, it could potentially lead to further injury and or chronic neck pain.

Neck Injury Symptoms After a Car Accident

Neck pain after a car accident can start immediately or have delayed onset in the hours or days following the crash. A neck injury could show up right away or become more present in the weeks or months afterward.

Symptoms may include:

  • Neck pain and stiffness
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Blurred vision
  • Shoulder, arm or back pain or stiffness
  • Burning, prickling or tingling in neck, shoulders or arms

More severe neck and whiplash injuries may also be categorized by:

  • Severe neck pain
  • Limited range of motion
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Fatigue
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Memory loss
  • Cognitive and psychological difficulties

Your injuries may be more severe or result in greater complications if you wait too long to seek treatment, have had whiplash before, have existing low back or neck pain or if they are the result of a high-speed injury.

Source: https://www.forbes.com/advisor/legal/auto-accident/neck-pain-after-car-accident/