What are the long-term effects of a car accident on your neck?
Neck injuries are common in car accidents, especially when they involve sudden impacts that cause your head to jerk forward and backward. These types of injuries, often leading to whiplash, can result in long-term discomfort and complications if not properly treated. At Keystone Medical Group, we specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of neck injuries caused by car accidents, offering targeted care to help reduce pain and restore function.
Short-Term vs. Long-Term Neck Injury Effects
In the short term, you may experience:
- Neck stiffness
- Headaches
- Shoulder pain
However, if left untreated or inadequately addressed, these symptoms can evolve into long-term problems, including:
- Chronic neck pain that can affect mobility
- Numbness or tingling in the arms or hands
- Difficulty sleeping due to discomfort
As Lance Stevenson, Managing Director of Keystone Medical Group, points out, early intervention is crucial in preventing long-term complications. “The longer you wait to get help, the greater the chances of symptoms becoming persistent or even disabling,” he says.
How Physical Therapy Can Help
Physical therapy for neck injuries is one of the most effective treatments for restoring function and reducing pain. At Keystone Medical Group, we provide personalized physical therapy plans designed to target neck muscles, improve range of motion, and relieve tension.
Whether you’ve experienced a whiplash injury or another type of neck strain, our physical therapist, Erik Hansen, PT, tailors treatments that may include:
- Stretching exercises to improve flexibility
- Strengthening exercises to support neck muscles
- Manual therapy to reduce tension and pain
Frequently Asked Questions About Neck Injuries After a Car Accident
- Can neck injuries from a car accident cause permanent damage?
With proper treatment, most neck injuries can heal within a few weeks or months. However, untreated injuries may lead to chronic pain or long-term issues. - How long does it take for a neck injury to heal?
Healing time varies depending on the severity of the injury. For minor strains, it can take a few weeks. More severe injuries may take several months. - Should I see a doctor even if my neck pain isn’t severe?
Yes. It’s important to get checked by a personal injury doctor as soon as possible after a car accident, even if symptoms seem mild. Early treatment can help prevent long-term issues.
If you’ve been in a car accident and are dealing with neck pain, Lance Stevenson and the team at Keystone Medical Group can provide comprehensive physical therapy care to help you heal and get back to your normal routine.