For many people, a single moment can change everything. A neck injury after a car accident can lead to long-term pain, limited mobility, and a decreased quality of life. If you’re struggling with a sore neck after a car accident, you’re not alone—millions experience similar issues each year.
About 3 million new cases of chronic neck pain occur each year in the U.S., many caused by car accident injuries. If your pain isn’t going away, it’s important to understand your symptoms and get the right care.
When Should You Be Concerned About Neck Pain Following a Car Accident?
Many accident victims decline medical attention immediately after a crash, assuming they’re fine. However, with adrenaline masking symptoms, pain may not appear until hours or even days later. If you’re experiencing any of the following issues, it’s essential to seek medical care:
1. Post-Concussion Symptoms
A concussion can take 24 hours or more to present symptoms. Warning signs include:
- Severe headaches
- Nausea
- Memory loss or confusion
- Dizziness and balance issues
- Mental fog
If you notice any of these, seek immediate medical attention.
2. Radiating or Intense Nerve Pain
Not all nerve irritation is cause for alarm, but if you experience:
- Sharp, shooting pain radiating to the arms, shoulders, or back
- Tingling, numbness, or burning sensations
- Pain that disrupts sleep or daily activities
It may indicate a more serious injury, such as a herniated disc or nerve compression, requiring medical evaluation.
3. Swelling, Edema, and Discoloration
Persistent swelling, bruising, or difficulty moving your neck could signal structural damage. While lymphatic drainage and light movement can help, it’s essential to get checked by a physician to rule out severe injury.
How to Manage Neck Pain After a Car Accident
If you’re dealing with neck strain after a car accident, finding a team of qualified manual therapists can be the key to recovery. A skilled therapist will help:
- Reduce muscle tension and improve mobility
- Guide you through safe at-home exercises
- Empower you with self-care techniques to ease discomfort
At-Home Strategies for Neck Pain Relief
While professional care is crucial, you can also take steps to reduce soreness and stiffness at home:
- Apply ice or heat therapy to soothe inflamed tissues
- Perform gentle neck stretches to prevent stiffness
- Maintain good posture and avoid excessive screen time
- Stay active with light movement to encourage healing
We Accept Insurance for Car Accidents Injuries
At Body Heal Therapy, we know recovering from a car accident can be financially stressful.That’s why we offer insurance coverage for accident-related injuries, including neck pain. Many people don’t realize that insurance often covers physical therapy and rehab after a car accident. No matter if you have PIP, health insurance, or a lawyer, we work with your insurance to keep things simple and stress-free.
We’ll guide you through the insurance process and help you get the care you need. Contact us today to see how we can support your recovery and handle your insurance claims.
