St. Petersburg Accident Blog

Neck Injuries Need to Be Diagnosed and Treated Immediately

If you have suffered a neck injury following a car accident or fall, do not wait to seek medical treatment.  Ignoring neck pain can lead to more permanent damage.

The neck contains the first seven bones of the cervical spine, which is where the spinal cord lives.  Since the spinal cord is so delicate, even minor damage cannot be repaired.  Neck pain can indicate spinal cord compression and if it is left untreated, it can lead to irreversible damage.

A sudden trauma to the neck caused by a slip and fall, car accident, assault or sports-related injury, can result in a serious neck injury.  There are many different forms and causes of neck pain, including a herniated disc.  A herniated or bulging disc can put pressure on the spinal cord, causing neck pain.  Herniated discs often follow a whiplash injury and may include symptoms such as weakness, tingling, numbness in the arms and upper torso and clumsiness.

A doctor will be able to diagnose the exact cause of neck pain and recommend the appropriate treatment.  Anti-inflammatory medication is frequently prescribed, which will help manage the pain.  Steroids are sometimes given in the form of a pill or injection.  If there is a severe neck injury, surgery may be needed, especially if there is a developing problem that could be more serious.

Medical treatment for a neck injury can be expensive.  If your neck injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be able to recover money for your injuries.  Contact William K. Saron, a Florida serious injury lawyer, for legal advice regarding your neck injury case.

The article, “Neck Injuries Should Not Be Ignored,” has more information on this topic.