Whether the collision was severe or felt minor at the time, your body has been through a sudden trauma. Your neck is especially vulnerable in most types of car crashes.
Premier Med Group offers comprehensive evaluation, treatment, and pain management in New Jersey and Pennsylvania for post-accident injuries. Our integrated approach can help relieve your pain while also addressing cognitive issues that may arise.
Understanding Neck Pain after a car accident
Recent research shows that neck trauma from motor vehicle accidents is both common and serious:
- Over 2 million Americans suffer from whiplash annually, with rear-end collisions accounting for around 50% of cases.
- According to the CDC, 23.6% of ER visits related to car crashes involve neck sprains or strains.
- Mayo Clinic has reported on a study published in Spine, finding that 50% of neck injury victims report pain eight months after an accident, and 18% still have symptoms after three years.
The statistics confirm what many patients already know: Neck pain after a car accident can linger or substantially worsen without timely treatment.
Even in low-speed collisions, your body absorbs a jolt that can stretch or tear muscles, ligaments, and spinal tissues. A common result is whiplash, which is a soft tissue injury caused by rapid back-and-forth motion of the neck.
Symptoms of car accident neck pain may include stiffness or limited motion accompanying headaches that typically originate at the base of the skull. Patients also often report tenderness in the upper back or shoulders and numbness or tingling in the arms or hands.
What to do immediately after a collision
If you’ve just been in a crash, your first steps can influence the speed and success of your recovery:
1. Minimize neck movement and stay calm
Move to safety if you can, but avoid turning your head rapidly. Neck pain can signal deeper injuries.
2. Document everything
Take photos of your vehicle, the accident scene, and any visible injuries to assist with your diagnosis and treatment. Note how your symptoms develop in the hours following the crash.
3. Seek emergency medical care if symptoms are severe
Go to the ER immediately if you experience:
- Sharp or worsening neck pain
- Weakness or numbness in your limbs
- Difficulty breathing or walking
Immediate emergency care is essential to rule out or promptly treat fractures, disc injuries, or spinal cord trauma.
Home remedies for neck pain until you see a doctor
If symptoms are mild and you’re not experiencing red flags of severe injury, there are some things you can do at home until you visit a doctor for a full evaluation and neck pain and whiplash treatments:
- Ice and heat therapy: Apply ice in the first 48 to 72 hours to reduce swelling, followed by moist heat to soothe stiff muscles.
- Support your posture: Use a neck-supportive pillow and avoid slouching or prolonged phone use.
- Gentle movement: Slowly turn your head from side to side or roll your shoulders. Avoid any movement that increases pain.
These simple approaches can provide short-term neck strain relief. But remember — always follow up with a professional evaluation.
Why a medical evaluation is essential after an accident
Many people delay seeking care, assuming the pain will fade. Unfortunately, untreated injuries can lead to chronic discomfort or more serious conditions down the line. A thorough medical evaluation of neck pain includes:
- A review of your accident and symptoms
- Physical exam for tenderness, range of motion, and reflexes
- Imaging studies (X-rays, MRI, or CT scans) as needed
Even subtle symptoms may indicate whiplash or disc damage. The sooner you’re diagnosed, the sooner you can begin treatment and better avoid long-term complications.
Expert treatment options at Premier Med Group
If you’re diagnosed with a soft tissue injury or other post-collision issue, our treatment options may include:
Physical therapy for neck injury
We use customized movement plans, strengthening routines, and techniques like ultrasound or electrical stimulation to reduce pain and restore function.
Medication management
If over-the-counter meds are insufficient to treat your symptoms, our team may prescribe anti-inflammatories or muscle relaxants to control discomfort and inflammation.
Short-term neck bracing
In certain cases, we may prescribe a soft cervical collar for brief stabilization to avoid muscle weakening.
Throughout your treatment, we’ll monitor your progress and adjust your plan as needed to ensure a complete, lasting recovery.
Call Premier Med Group Today for Neck Pain Relief
Whether you’re dealing with stiffness, sharp pain, or headaches after a collision, you should never ignore neck pain. With expert diagnostics, customized care, and rehab support, Premier Med Group helps you safely recover.
We invite you to review our other posts for discussion of related topics, like learning about the causes of chronic neck pain.
Our doctors accept most insurance plans, including workers’ compensation, no-fault, and PIP (personal injury protection). Same-day appointments may be available.
If you’re suffering from neck pain after a car accident, don’t wait for symptoms to worsen. Call Premier Med Group today at (908) 904-1900 to schedule a prompt consultation.
FAQs about treating Neck Pain after car accidents
Can Neck Pain appear days after the accident?
It’s common for neck pain after a car accident to take 24 to 72 hours to manifest. Swelling, inflammation, and nerve irritation may take time to develop.
Can I still have whiplash if there’s no damage to my car?
Patients can suffer from whiplash after crashes that don’t damage their car. Injuries often occur at speeds as low as 5 to 10 mph. If you have symptoms or concerns, seek whiplash treatment regardless of your vehicle’s condition.
Can Neck Pain from a car accident cause symptoms in other parts of the body?
Neck pain after a car accident can cause symptoms in other parts of the body, especially if the injury involves nerve compression or inflammation. Shoulder pain, arm tingling, hand weakness, or headaches can result from the interconnected nature of the cervical spine and nervous system.
What are the potential long-term effects?
Untreated whiplash or other neck injuries can lead to chronic pain, limited mobility, and other complications.
What is the most common neck injury in a car accident?
Whiplash. Whiplash occurs when the head and neck jerk forward and backward in a sudden motion causing soft tissue damage, Slipped or herniated disc, Facet joint injury, Neck fracture, Cuts and lacerations.
What are the red flags of whiplash?
Loss of range of motion in the neck. Headaches, most often starting at the base of the skull. Tenderness or pain in the shoulder, upper back or arms. Tingling or numbness in the arms. severe pain, weakness in the arms or legs, balance problems, or changes in your bowel or bladder function.
