Common Neck Injuries from an Auto Accident

If you have been in a motor vehicle or car accident in the greater Birmingham, AL area, the result of the sudden, unexpected force often leads to pain from a neck injury. Even a minor auto accident injury should be evaluated by a professional chiropractor, like The Spine Doc, because a neck injury’s symptoms may not show up immediately, and any delay may lead to the development of chronic pain and an unnecessarily extended recovery period.

Symptoms of a Neck Injury

An auto accident can cause several types of neck injuries and symptoms. Some of these neck injury symptoms are tricky as they have the potential to come and go or even linger for some time.

• Stiffness, warmth, or dull, aching pain.
• Inability to move neck side-to-side.
• Shooting pain that travels down the back/shoulders.
• Tenderness near the back of the skull.
• Muscle spasms.
• Headaches, nausea, or dizziness.
• Mood changes or inability to stay focused.
• Ringing in the ears/blurred vision.

Types of Neck Injuries Caused by a Car Accident

Most neck injuries from a car accident fall under the category of whiplash, which refers to damage to the soft tissue in the neck. More specifically, whiplash may include the following symptoms.

• A slipped/herniated spinal disc.
• A neck strain/sprain.
• Stiff muscles and tendons.
• A pinched nerve.
• Facet joint injury.
• A neck fracture.
• Cervical spondylolisthesis.
• Muscle spasms.

Chiropractic Treatment Options for Neck Injuries

A chiropractor can help reduce or eliminate pain emanating from a whiplash or neck injury using one or more treatment options.

• Hot/cold packs.
• Chiropractic adjustments.
• Temporary immobilization.
• Electrical nerve stimulation.
• Massage/physical therapy.
• Corticosteroid injections.

Chiropractic Neck Adjustments

A chiropractor can help improve mobility and reduce or eliminate neck pain from a car accident. These adjustments also help to avoid future damage to the neck and other areas of the body.

Ready to Schedule an Appointment with Birmingham’s Leading Chiropractor?

Injured your neck in a car accident? The Spine Doc’s team of professionals in Birmingham, AL, can create a personalized treatment plan for your neck injury. Call us at (205) 951-3330 or send us an email to schedule an appointment.