Neck injuries are certainly something to be aware of after you’re involved in a crash of any kind. Though you might not recognize the seriousness of your injuries right away, it’s possible that you could have a dislocation, whiplash or other serious injuries to the neck.
Some common neck injuries that happen during a collision include soft-tissue injuries, herniated discs, broken vertebrae and others. The good news is that most of these injuries are treatable, but you do need to seek medical attention as soon as you can.
How is neck trauma identified?
To start with, you should go to the hospital. There, your medical provider will perform a physical exam to determine what kinds of injuries you have. Then, they will order tests. For example, if they suspect a broken vertebrae in the neck, they would have you go through an X-ray at the very least. You may also be taken for a computerized tomography test or be asked to complete a magnetic resonance imaging test. These tests, when combined, give your medical team the most accurate picture of your injuries.
It’s also important for your medical provider to look for damage within the neck region, such as damage to the jugular vein or carotid artery. The vocal cords may have been impacted, or you may have injuries to the pharyngeal and esophageal regions.
Whether you’re in pain or not, a good medical exam is a must after you get hurt in a crash. Our website has more on the steps you can take to file a claim for compensation for those medical expenses and any other losses you suffer.
