Car Accidents and Neck Injuries
It goes without saying that every inch of your body is at risk of injury in the event of a car accident. However, neck injuries are among the most common. There are many reasons for this, including the fact that your neck makes a “jerk” at impact.Here are some of the most common types of car accident related neck injuries:
- Whiplash: This often occurs when struck from behind, as the impact results in extreme stress on your neck. Whiplash is a soft tissue injury.
- Slipped or herniated disc: Most common in side impact crashes, a slipped or herniated disc can cause extreme pain in your neck, back, and/or arms.
- Pinched nerve: Depending on the type of injury — such as damage to bones or tendons — a pinched nerve is a possibility. The end result is generally severe pain, numbness, and/or tingling.
- Neck fracture: Among the most dangerous types of neck injury, a fracture can cause damage to your spinal cord nerves, resulting in paralysis or even death.
No matter the severity of an accident or how you feel in the aftermath, it’s a good idea to seek medical treatment. If you do have a neck injury, immediate treatment can go a long way in reducing the risk of long-term side effects.
Virginia Spine Specialists is an award-winning, minimally invasive spinal care practice with locations in Fredericksburg, VA and Manassas, VA. We also serve these Northern and Central Virginia locations: Haymarket, Gainesville, Culpepper, Front Royal, Spotsylvania, Stafford, Colonial Beach, Tappahannock and Lake Anna.
