The neck is a delicate structure that can suffer considerably as a result of a car crash. There are several different injuries that can occur and they range from mild to severe. In some cases, injuries are catastrophic and will impact a crash victim for the rest of their life.
Many neck injuries occur as a result of the violent force at the moment of impact that causes the head to fling forward and backward or side to side. This strains the soft tissues in the neck and can injury the vertebrae.
Whiplash
Whiplash occurs when the head is suddenly jerked forward and then backward, which strains the neck muscles and ligaments. Symptoms can include neck pain and stiffness, headaches and dizziness. Although many people recover from whiplash with proper care, some may experience chronic neck pain and long-term mobility issues.
Cervical spine injuries
The cervical spine, consisting of the uppermost portion of the spinal column, is highly susceptible to injury during car wrecks. Fractures, dislocations or severe sprains in the cervical spine can lead to significant pain, reduced mobility and in severe cases, paralysis.
Nerve damage
The impact of a car wreck can cause the vertebrae in the neck to become misaligned or fractured. This can compress or damage the nerves. Symptoms of nerve damage can include numbness, tingling, weakness or sharp pains in the neck and down the arms. Nerve injuries can range from mild to severe, which may necessitate surgical intervention.
Immediate medical attention is critical when a person suffers a neck injury. This can be costly. Victims generally may opt to pursue a compensation claim that can help them to cover these expenses and others related to the wreck, if it was caused by another’s negligence.
