Neck injuries are some of the most common types of injuries to occur during car collisions. However, the term “neck injury” is not very specific, so people have many different ideas of what these injuries constitute. By understanding the major types of neck injuries that are common during vehicle accidents, victims can better comprehend their long-term recovery prospects and how much money it will actually take to seek the medical treatment they need, as well as other expenses they may encounter during and after recovery.
The Most Common Neck Injuries
It is possible for a vehicle collision to result in permanent paralysis or even death from serious neck injuries. However, these are not the most common types of neck injuries seen during car accidents. Instead, neck injuries suffered during vehicle crashes regularly include:
- This is one of the most common types of head and neck injuries from car accidents and occurs when the head jolts back and forth in a sudden, violent motion. This movement puts enormous strain on the muscles, nerves, and ligaments of the neck. Whiplash is most commonly seen during rear-end collisions, although it can also occur in other types of crashes. Symptoms of whiplash are notoriously difficult to document, often failing to appear immediately after a crash but causing long-term pain, headaches, and even memory or sensory problems for years afterward.
- Soft tissue damage. Bone damage is not the only type of neck injury a victim can suffer during a car accident. Injuries to ligaments, tendons, muscles and other soft tissue are quite common and can be just as devastating as broken bones. Soft tissue damage often results in a long-term injury that is very difficult to treat successfully, leading to lifelong pain and stiffness.
- Slipped disc. A cervical or neck disc, or cushion between spinal bones, may become herniated as a result of a vehicle crash. This means that the disc slips out of place and becomes pinched by the neck bones. This can result in excruciating pain or weakness in the arms, hands, or fingers that impact the victim’s ability to move and hold objects.
- Broken bones. Broken neck bones can be very serious or life-threatening injuries. However, some victims do not realize immediately that their bones are broken and may do further damage if they move suddenly. It is important to always immobilize any patient’s neck during initial treatment following a car accident so that further injury does not occur.
Ultimately, neck injuries are some of the most serious types of harm resulting from car crashes, with the potential to affect the rest of the victim’s life. It is critical that car crash victims be evaluated immediately for neck injuries and take appropriate measures to treat and protect themselves.
If you have suffered a neck injury of any type as the result of a vehicle crash, it is important to protect your rights. Barber & Associates have been helping Alaska car victims for many years with cases involving the neck and other types of spinal injuries. For more information, contact Barber & Associates today.