When a person is involved in a car wreck, they can suffer a host of injuries. Some of these involve a person’s neck. Any injury to the neck can significantly impact a person’s quality of life.
There are several ways that the neck can be injured in a car wreck. Understanding these common injuries can help people who have been involved in a crash to recognize if they have developed a condition that requires medical attention.
Whiplash
Whiplash is one of the most common neck injuries resulting from car accidents, especially in rear-end collisions. It occurs when the head is suddenly jerked backward and then forward, stretching and tearing the muscles and tendons in the neck.
Symptoms of whiplash include neck pain and stiffness, headaches at the base of the skull, dizziness and sometimes blurred vision or fatigue. While many people recover within a few weeks or months, some may experience chronic neck pain and other long-lasting complications.
Cervical fractures
A cervical fracture, commonly known as a broken neck, involves a crack or break in one of the cervical vertebrae in the neck. This type of injury is severe and can be life-threatening, requiring immediate medical attention.
Symptoms include severe pain at the site of the break, reduced mobility, swelling and in extreme cases, paralysis. Treatment often involves immobilization with a neck brace or surgery to stabilize the vertebrae.
Cervical dislocation
Cervical dislocation occurs when there is a displacement or misalignment of the vertebrae in the neck. This type of injury often results from high-energy impacts and can damage the spinal cord, potentially leading to paralysis.
Symptoms include severe neck pain, muscle weakness and altered sensations in the limbs. Cervical dislocations require emergency treatment to realign the spine and stabilize the injured area, often involving surgery.
Anyone who’s been involved in a crash should receive a medical evaluation to determine what injuries need to be addressed. This can be costly, but victims may opt to seek compensation from the negligent party who caused the crash. Working with a legal representative can help them to do this before the statute of limitations expires.