Types of Cervical Injuries in Auto Accidents

The cervical spine, or the neck, is a vital and vulnerable part of the body that can be easily injured in auto accidents. The neck consists of seven small bones, called the cervical vertebrae, that are connected by intervertebral discs, facet joints, ligaments, muscles, and nerves. The neck supports the head and allows it to move in various directions, while also protecting the spinal cord and the nerves that branch out from it. However, the neck is also susceptible to various types of injuries, especially when subjected to sudden and forceful movements, such as those that occur during a car crash.

Some of the common types of cervical injuries that are often seen in auto accidents are:

Whiplash

Whiplash is a term that describes the injury caused by the rapid back-and-forth movement of the neck, similar to the cracking of a whip. Whiplash can occur when a vehicle is hit from behind, from the side, or from the front, causing the head to jerk violently. Whiplash can damage the muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nerves in the neck, resulting in pain, stiffness, reduced range of motion, headaches, dizziness, and tingling or numbness in the arms. Whiplash symptoms may not appear immediately after the accident, but may develop over hours or days. Whiplash is usually treated with rest, ice, painkillers, and physical therapy, but some cases may require more intensive care.

Herniated Disc

A herniated disc, also known as a slipped or ruptured disc, is a condition where the soft inner material of the intervertebral disc bulges out through a tear in the tough outer layer. A herniated disc can occur when the disc is compressed or twisted by the impact of the accident, causing inflammation and irritation of the surrounding nerves. A herniated disc can cause pain, weakness, and numbness in the neck, shoulder, arm, or hand, depending on the location and severity of the herniation. A herniated disc can be diagnosed by a physical examination, an X-ray, an MRI, or a CT scan. A herniated disc can be treated with medication, injections, physical therapy, or surgery, depending on the symptoms and response to conservative treatment.

Pinched Nerve

A pinched nerve, also known as a compressed or trapped nerve, is a condition where a nerve is squeezed or pressed by a bone, a disc, a ligament, a muscle, or a tumor. A pinched nerve can occur when the neck is twisted, bent, or extended by the force of the accident, causing inflammation and pressure on the nerve. A pinched nerve can cause pain, burning, tingling, or numbness in the neck, shoulder, arm, or hand, depending on the nerve affected. A pinched nerve can be diagnosed by a physical examination, a nerve conduction study, or an electromyography. A pinched nerve can be treated with medication, injections, physical therapy, or surgery, depending on the cause and severity of the compression³.

Neck Fracture

A neck fracture, also known as a cervical fracture or a broken neck, is a condition where one or more of the cervical vertebrae are cracked or broken. A neck fracture can occur when the neck is subjected to a high-energy impact, such as a head-on collision, a rollover, or an ejection from the vehicle. A neck fracture can cause severe pain, swelling, bruising, deformity, and difficulty moving the neck or the limbs. A neck fracture can also damage the spinal cord or the nerves, resulting in paralysis, loss of sensation, or loss of function in the affected areas. A neck fracture can be diagnosed by a physical examination, an X-ray, an MRI, or a CT scan. A neck fracture can be treated with a brace, a halo, or surgery, depending on the type and location of the fracture.

Facet Joint Injury

A facet joint injury, also known as a facet syndrome or a facet sprain, is a condition where the facet joints, which are the small joints that connect the vertebrae and allow the spine to bend and twist, are injured. A facet joint injury can occur when the facet joints are overstretched, twisted, or compressed by the trauma of the accident, causing inflammation and irritation of the joint capsule and the surrounding nerves. A facet joint injury can cause pain, stiffness, reduced range of motion, and muscle spasms in the neck and the upper back. A facet joint injury can be diagnosed by a physical examination, an X-ray, an MRI, or a facet joint injection. A facet joint injury can be treated with medication, injections, physical therapy, or surgery, depending on the symptoms and response to conservative treatment.

Conclusion

The cervical spine is a complex and delicate structure that can be easily injured in auto accidents. The types of cervical injuries that are often seen in auto accidents can vary from mild to severe, and can affect the quality of life and the ability to work of the injured person. Therefore, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible after an accident, and to consult with a qualified and experienced personal injury lawyer who can help you obtain the compensation you deserve for your injuries. If you have been injured in an auto accident, contact Brubaker Injury Law today and let us help you get the justice you need. Call us at (800) 817-9301 or visit our website at www.brubakerinjurylaw.com to schedule your free consultation. Brubaker Injury Law: We are here for you.