Next to the brain, the spinal cord is the most important part of the central nervous system, and any injuries to the spine are not only likely to be incredibly painful, but they can result in paralysis, disability, and a long-term impact on a person’s ability to live and work. The neck is an especially vulnerable part of the spine, and it can be injured in a variety of ways. If you have been involved in an incident that has resulted in neck pain, you should understand the potential neck injuries that you may have experienced, the treatments necessary to protect your health and well-being, and the options for pursuing compensation from those who were responsible for your injury.
Common Neck Injuries and Treatments
Neck injuries can vary significantly in severity, ranging from mild discomfort to long-lasting pain and disability. In many cases, neck injuries are caused by whiplash, which occurs when the neck is hyperextended after the head is suddenly thrown backward or forward. Whiplash is often experienced in car accidents, but it may also occur during sports injuries, and the neck can also be injured in a slip and fall or as the result of an assault. Some common types of neck injuries include:
- Strains and sprains – Strains affect the muscles in the neck, while sprains affect the ligaments that hold the bones of the neck together. Some people may be able to treat these injuries with pain medication or anti-inflammatory drugs. However, in serious cases in which a person experiences tingling or loss of sensation in the arms, it is important to receive immediate medical treatment to address potential nerve damage.
- Herniated discs – If the discs between the vertebrae in the neck rupture, this can cause a great deal of pain, weakness, numbness, or burning or tingling sensations in the arms. These injuries can sometimes be treated by medication and physical therapy, but in many cases, surgery is necessary.
- Cervical dislocation – If the bones in the neck move out of their regular position, this can result in damage to the spinal cord or separated or ruptured ligaments. In many cases, these injuries require surgery to repair the damage.
- Cervical fracture – When the bones in the neck break, this can cause serious damage to the spine. In many cases, a person with this type of injury will be required to wear a halo brace to keep their head in place while the fracture heals.
- Spinal injury – If the spinal cord itself suffers damage, this is likely to lead to paralysis. Depending on the location of the damage, some or all of the body may be paralyzed, and the paralysis may be temporary or permanent. If the damage occurs above the third cervical vertebra, a person may be unable to breathe on their own, and they will require a respirator to ensure that their body receives the oxygen necessary to stay alive.
Contact Our Appleton Personal Injury Attorneys
If you have experienced a neck injury that occurred because of the negligence of a driver or property owner, you may be able to recover compensation that addresses the damages you have experienced. This includes the costs of your medical treatment, compensation for income you have lost due to disability, and payment for your pain and suffering. Our Green Bay spine injury attorneys can help you pursue the compensation you deserve and ensure that your family has the financial resources you need. Contact us at 920-739-7366 to arrange a free consultation.
Sources:
https://www.verywellhealth.com/most-common-neck-injuries-described-296664
https://www.emedicinehealth.com/wilderness_neck_and_back_injuries/article_em.htm#neck_and_back_injuries_symptoms