3 Neck Injuries That May Occur In A Crash

The jarring force of a car crash can lead to the head flinging back and forth or side to side. This can cause damage to the neck, which can lead to significant pain and effects on your life.

Several neck injuries are possible. All of these are associated with pain and lack of range of motion. Seeking care from a medical professional enables you to find out what’s wrong with your neck so you can start treatment. These are three common neck injuries that you may suffer in an automobile crash.

#1: Whiplash

Whiplash is a neck injury that’s caused by the violent motion of the crash. This injury is more common in rear-end crashes than in other types of crashes. The tendons, ligaments, muscles, bones and nerves can all be affected by whiplash. Bracing the neck was once the preferred treatment for whiplash, but it’s now known that physical therapy is a better option.

#2: Herniated disc

The force of a car crash can cause the jelly-like discs to leak or bulge out. This affects the bones of the spine and can lead to extreme pain. Herniated discs may require surgery or physical therapy, as well as medication.

#3: Spinal fracture

A cervical spinal fracture is commonly referred to a broken neck. This injury is likely going to require surgery. It’s very serious because it can lead to paralysis. This could mean that the person is ventilator-dependent. A cervical spinal fracture is Christopher Reeve’s injury that left him in a wheelchair; however, his injury was due to a fall from a horse and not a motor vehicle crash.

Individuals who suffer from neck injuries need to get immediate medical care. This can become costly, especially if you factor in the lack of income that might come when you have this type of injury. Seeking compensation is possible after this type of injury if it was due to the actions of a negligent individual. Time limits apply to these cases in New Jersey, so get the claim filed quickly.