Auto accidents are often accompanied by a range of injuries, some of which can be serious. Neck injuries are some of the most common injuries sustained in an auto accident, and they can be minor or severe, depending on the impact.
After a car crash, you have a lot to deal with, but getting help for an injury should be a top priority. Specialized care, like that provided here at Tulsa Accident Care Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma, can make all the difference.
In this blog post, we explore some of the reasons why you can get a stiff neck following a car accident and the next steps you should take.
The body is tough, but it isn’t designed to absorb sudden, high velocity impacts. Because motor vehicles weigh thousands of pounds, even the force of a minor fender bender can cause damage to the neck. Here are some of the common causes of neck stiffness due to a car accident:
Whiplash is the most common cause of neck stiffness due to a car accident. It’s a soft tissue injury that occurs when your head is thrown backward and forward, which can cause the neck muscles and ligaments to stretch and tear.
The sudden jolt of a car accident can cause your neck muscles to strain, which can lead to pain and stiffness.
A herniated disc occurs when the soft, gel-like center of a spinal disc bulges out of the tougher exterior and presses on the nerves in the spinal cord.
In rare cases, a car accident can cause a spinal cord injury. Symptoms of a spinal cord injury can include neck stiffness, weakness, and loss of sensation.
The symptoms related to neck stiffness can vary depending on the severity of the injury. However, some common symptoms include:
Schedule an evaluation as soon as possible if you have any of these symptoms following an auto accident.
An auto accident care center is a medical facility that specializes in diagnosing and treating auto accident injuries. The services offered here at Tulsa Accident Care Center include:
Our facility offers diagnostic testing — such as X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans —to determine the cause and severity of neck problems.
Your Tulsa Accident Care Center provider can provide pain management services — such as medication, injections, or other pain management techniques — to help alleviate your symptoms.
Physical therapy can help improve your range of motion and reduce pain and stiffness in your neck. This may include stretches, exercises, and other techniques.
If you experience neck stiffness after a car accident, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. By getting treated quickly, you can get on the road to recovery sooner and you can have a higher chance of preventing future complications.
If you’ve been in an auto accident and are experiencing neck stiffness or any other issues, we can help you get well again. To learn more, call 918-888-8080 or book an appointment online with Tulsa Accident Care Center today.
