Treating Neck and Back Pain After Car Accidents

Neck and back pain are common after car accidents. The impact of the crash will often cause the head to jerk back and forth and cause neck strain. The sudden force causes the muscles and tendons to stretch and tear, causing the condition known as whiplash.

 

The impact can also cause back pain that may be due to damage to the spine. It is very important to get to the emergency room immediately after a car accident. Sometimes, the pain may not be apparent soon after the crash.

 

Symptoms of Neck and Back Injury

Depending on the extent of the injury, pain may come on immediately after the accident or after some hours. If you experience pain soon after the accident, you should remain still to avoid exacerbating the injury.

 

Other symptoms include immobility or reduced range of motion, back stiffness, neck muscles feeling knotted or hard, headaches and tenderness. A concussion is common after an accident, and it is usually characterized by headache, dizziness, confusion, nausea, and excessive sleepiness.

 

Diagnosing Neck and Back Injury

The doctor will carry out a thorough examination to determine the extent of damage or cause of the pain. Broken bones can cause severe pain and inability to move. Lower back pain can indicate injury to the spine, and this can be very serious.

 

To diagnose the condition, you may need an X-ray, CT scan, and other tests. Injuries to soft tissues, such as the muscles, ligaments, and discs, cannot be identified using standard X-rays. Specialized imaging is necessary to diagnose damage resulting from an accident.

 

Treating Neck Pain

There is no single treatment for neck pain or whiplash. Treatment options range from heat and ice packs to traction, ultrasound, and injections. A collar or neck brace can support the neck, but this is not a long-term solution. Pain relief medication can help, but patients use the drugs alongside other forms of treatment.

 

Physical therapy, gentle exercises, and massage can be very helpful for most patients. It is important to visit a chiropractor after the accident. Chiropractic care can provide effective treatment in the long term.

 

Treating Back Pain

Back pain can be caused by different factors, including spinal cord injury, infection, or spinal nerve compression. The type and location of the injury will determine the best treatment to use. Treating back pain focuses on providing pain relief and improving mobility.

 

A chiropractor can recommend a therapy program to help with pain management. Some people opt for surgical treatment, but this is not always recommended due to poor outcomes and serious side effects. Therapy and exercise can be very effective for treating back pain after a car accident.

 

Recovering From Injury

It is important to realize that recovery from your injury will depend on the severity of the condition. Some injuries may take weeks to heal, while others require several months for complete healing. You may need several visits to the chiropractor before you experience complete relief. How soon you recover will also depend on how diligent you are about following instructions.

 

You can do very little to prevent injuries caused by a car accident. However, getting prompt care can help to improve the odds when it comes to complete recovery.


 

For more information on treating neck and back pain after car accidents, visit Cashae Spine & Sports at our office in Silver Spring, Maryland. You can call (240) 219-8975 today to book an appointment.