The delicate nature of the neck makes it vulnerable to injuries after a motor vehicle crash. An Oklahoma resident may experience several types of neck injuries for which they should seek treatment.
Whiplash
Whiplash is among the common head and neck injuries after a rear-end MVA, which forces the muscles out of alignment. Some common symptoms include:
- upper back, arm or shoulder tenderness
- headaches
- arm or hand numbness
- decreased range of motion in the neck
- neck pain or stiffness
Studies have shown it is possible for whiplash to occur at low speeds of five to ten miles per hour. Most cases of whiplash will heal on their own with treatment in several weeks but could cause lingering symptoms.
Neck fractures
Any of the seven bones in the neck can fracture after a car crash, which needs immediate medical attention. Incorrect movement of the neck after a fracture could cause permanent paralysis and damage the spinal cord.
Broken neck bones may show symptoms of discoloration, tenderness, redness, inflammation, and a visible deformity or exposed bone. Neck fractures commonly require inserting metal rods or pins or wearing a neck brace for several weeks for stabilization.
Herniated disk and faceted joint injury
A herniated disk often occurs from a high-speed crash, which damages the gel-like structures between vertebras that protect the spine. Herniated disks may cause tingling, numbness, and pain in the neck, shoulders, fingers, hands, and arms or leg pain.
A facet joint is a thin cartilage in the neck that assists with stabilization and range of motion. Common symptoms are inflammation, headaches, and localized dull pain in the lower back, sometimes extending to the buttocks.
While injured parties can recover damages from at-fault drivers, they should seek immediate medical treatment. Sometimes, they think they feel fine because the symptoms remain dormant until the adrenalin wears off. Not only should they seek it for their health, but they also need it as proof of injury if they decide to pursue compensation.
