Neck Injuries Should Not Be Ignored

Serious neck injuries can be caused by car accidents, falls, assaults, sports-related events, truck collisions and other traumatic accidents. Thousands of people suffer from neck pain resulting from injury each year in the United States. Too often people ignore neck pain, but it is crucial that it is not left undiagnosed or untreated. A neck injury can lead to permanent damage.

The cervical spine, which is the first seven bones or vertebrae in the neck, runs from the base of the brain to just past the shoulder blades. According to Volker K.H. Sonntag MD, a member of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons Board of Directors and a neurosurgeon, “the cervical spine is where the spinal cord lives. The spinal cord is the most delicate tissue in the entire body. Even minor damage to the spinal cord cannot be repaired. Unlike low back pain, in which waiting to seek treatment may prolong the pain but usually doesn’t cause any further damage, untreated spinal cord compression can lead to irreversible damage.”

Neck pain comes in different forms. When neck pain is the result of a herniated disc from a fall or other accident, it can pinch the nerve root in the neck. Discs are located between the bone in the spinal cord and act as “shock absorbers,” allowing the spine to move and bend. When you have a herniated or bulging disc, it can irritate one of the nerves or put pressure on the spinal cord. Bulging discs, which can later become herniated, are often caused by whiplash or stress on the spine. Symptoms of a herniated disc include:

• Weakness
• Tingling
• Numbness in the arms and upper torso
• Clumsiness

If you are experiencing neck pain after a car crash or other accident, you need to contact your physician immediately. Your doctor will be able to diagnose the cause of your neck pain and may prescribe a treatment plan, depending on the details of your injury. Anti-inflammatory medication may be prescribed to manage the pain and neck rest may be recommended. In some circumstances, a doctor will recommend physical therapy or steroids. Severe neck injuries may require surgery, especially if there appears to be a rapidly developing problem.

When a neck injury is caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact William K. Saron, an experienced serious injury attorney, who can review your neck injury case to determine the amount of compensation you deserve. Call (866) 836-4947 or (727) 345-4566 for expert legal advice.