Car accidents injure millions of people every year. Sadly, tens of thousands of people also lose their lives in road traffic collisions.
Various body parts can be injured during a crash, but the neck is particularly exposed. Here are some of the more common neck injuries associated with car accidents.
Whiplash
Whiplash is a bit of a mystery, but it occurs when the neck is jarred back and forth suddenly. This type of movement can damage the bone, muscles, ligaments and nerves in the neck. Generally, whiplash isn’t too serious, and symptoms subside within a month or two. However, it is an excruciating condition and it can become chronic in a minority of cases. As the precise mechanisms of the injury are unknown, treatment for chronic whiplash can be tricky.
Neck fractures
While the bones in the neck are robust, the trauma from a car accident can be strong enough to cause fractures. While all neck fractures are considered medical emergencies, they can vary in severity. Hairline fractures are painful but usually easy to treat. Major fractures, on the other hand, can cause paralysis and they can even be fatal.
Other types of neck injuries associated with car accidents include:
- Ruptured intervertebral discs
- Pinched nerves
- Muscle sprains, strains and tears
- Muscle spasms
Serious neck injuries require immediate medical attention, and they may also need long-term care and treatment. If your neck injury was the result of a car crash, you may be entitled to personal injury compensation. To obtain this, you’ll need to show that someone else was negligent. Seeking legal guidance can help you to do this.