The fact is, anyone can be in an accident, at any time. Because of this, you need to know when to pay attention to the aches and pains they cause.
After an accident, if your neck hurts, you may think it is a temporary, minor situation. However, neck, head, and back pain may indicate something more serious, including chronic whiplash which may cause months or even years of ongoing pain.
If you are involved in an accident that was caused by someone else, the best thing you can do is to contact a Corpus Christi injury lawyer at The Burkett Law Firm. Our legal team is ready to help you with your claim and ensure you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages.
Whiplash Defined
Before you try to ignore your neck pain for some minor inconvenience, you should understand what it is, along with the other types of injuries you may experience in a car accident.
A whiplash injury occurs when a sudden and severe impact or jolt forces your neck to move forward and back – like the motion of a cracking whip. Usually, it is caused by a rear-end or frontal impact accident; however, it can occur in other situations, too.
It’s worth noting that you don’t have to be traveling at high rates of speed to experience serious damage and a whiplash injury. In fact, there are many accidents that result in whiplash injuries when the driver was traveling at just five to 10 miles per hour.
Some of the most common symptoms of whiplash include:
- Tenderness or pain in the arms, upper back, or shoulders
- Reduced range of motion in the neck
- Pain when you move your neck
- Stiffness and pain in the neck
Some other symptoms you may experience with a whiplash injury include:
- Ear ringing
- Headaches
- Issues concentrating or problems with memory
- Tingling or numbness in the arms
- Issues sleeping
- Blurred vision
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
What to Do If Your Pain Is Caused by a More Serious Injury?
Since it can be challenging to discern the symptoms of whiplash from other, more serious injuries, you should consider some of the other, more serious injuries you may have sustained. Remember, a medical professional will be able to provide you with an accurate diagnosis.
Herniated Disc
Often called a slipped disc or even a ruptured disc, cases of herniated discs may occur in any part of your spine, which includes the neck, even though it actually occurs in the lower back region. Herniated discs occur when a disc, which is the cushion that separates your spine’s vertebrae, moves out of place. It can occur because of a sudden injury, which is what occurs in a car accident.
Herniated discs may put excessive pressure on your spinal cord and the nerves close by. Even though back pain is usually one of the first symptoms, tingling, numbness, and even weakness in your feet and legs also occur.
Thoracic Spine Injuries
The thoracic spine runs from the base of your neck to your abdomen. It also connects to your rib cage. Sometimes, injuries occur because of some type of high-energy trauma, like falling from a height or an accident. Fractures and nerve damage can occur and treatment for this may include bracing for a few weeks or even surgery.
Lumbar Spine Injuries
Your lumbar spine is the lower back. It is made up of five moveable vertebrae. It also connects to highly sensitive nerves and large muscles. Your lumbar spine has to be strong so that it can protect the nerves and spinal cord, and be flexible, which ensures general mobility, rotation, and side bending. Because of its structure, any injury to your lumbar spine may be extremely painful. It can also have a significant impact on overall mobility. Serious injuries often include things like nerve damage, disc herniation, or a spine fracture, which can all require surgery.
Contact Our Legal Team for Help
While whiplash presents multiple hazards to an accident victim, the fact is, there are other injuries that may be to blame for your neck pain. It is best to be checked out by a doctor and then contact our Corpus Christi injury lawyer for help. We are here to fight for you and ensure you get the maximum amount of compensation possible for the injury you incurred. We are ready to help you with your accident claim.