Accident Injuries and Trauma
Rarely, sciatica symptoms that worsen quickly may require immediate surgery. The following symptoms indicate a need for immediate medical care:
Dangers of Auto Accidents
Unfortunately, neck and back injuries are common during car accidents; the impact strains the ligaments and muscles in the back, and the facet joints bear the brunt of the force. This can result in several injuries, including whiplash, disc-herniation, compression fractures, and spondylolisthesis. It is important to be able to spot the symptoms of these injuries so that if you or someone else is injured, you will know what to do. Some injuries can be made worse if the injured person is moved. Even if it was a low-speed car accident, if you experience back or neck pain afterward, you should seek the help of a medical professional. A muscle strain may heal on its own, but if back or neck pain is caused by a more serious injury, a person may still feel pain months or years later.
How to Spot an Injury
How do you know if neck or back pain is simply a muscle strain, or a more serious injury? You likely won’t know for certain until you are evaluated by a medical professional, but there are some symptoms that may indicate that medical help is needed. Let’s review some of the symptoms of common neck and back injuries caused by car accidents.
Whiplash
Whiplash is more common during rear-end collisions, as the force from impact suddenly pushes your head backward, then forward, much like the motion of cracking a whip. Front-end collisions do not usually result in whiplash, as the headrest often stops the motion of the head and neck. Symptoms of whiplash will appear within 24 hours of the accident, and may include pain and stiffness in the neck, headaches that are often at the base of the skull, dizziness, blurred vision, and fatigue. In some cases, a person with whiplash may also experience difficulty concentrating, memory problems, ringing in the ears, difficulty sleeping, and irritability.
Spinal Fractures
Whiplash is more common during rear-end collisions, as the force from impact suddenly pushes your head backward, then forward, much like the motion of cracking a whip. Front-end collisions do not usually result in whiplash, as the headrest often stops the motion of the head and neck. Symptoms of whiplash will appear within 24 hours of the accident, and may include pain and stiffness in the neck, headaches that are often at the base of the skull, dizziness, blurred vision, and fatigue. In some cases, a person with whiplash may also experience difficulty concentrating, memory problems, ringing in the ears, difficulty sleeping, and irritability.
Spondylolisthesis
Whiplash is more common during rear-end collisions, as the force from impact suddenly pushes your head backward, then forward, much like the motion of cracking a whip. Front-end collisions do not usually result in whiplash, as the headrest often stops the motion of the head and neck. Symptoms of whiplash will appear within 24 hours of the accident, and may include pain and stiffness in the neck, headaches that are often at the base of the skull, dizziness, blurred vision, and fatigue. In some cases, a person with whiplash may also experience difficulty concentrating, memory problems, ringing in the ears, difficulty sleeping, and irritability.
Disc Herniation
Whiplash is more common during rear-end collisions, as the force from impact suddenly pushes your head backward, then forward, much like the motion of cracking a whip. Front-end collisions do not usually result in whiplash, as the headrest often stops the motion of the head and neck. Symptoms of whiplash will appear within 24 hours of the accident, and may include pain and stiffness in the neck, headaches that are often at the base of the skull, dizziness, blurred vision, and fatigue. In some cases, a person with whiplash may also experience difficulty concentrating, memory problems, ringing in the ears, difficulty sleeping, and irritability.
What to Do after an Accident?
After a serious car accident, it’s not uncommon for victims to experience chronic, persistent pain throughout their body. Tensed muscles and nerve damage can result in back pain that may require treatment or surgery to find relief and prevent permanent damage. A serious accident can result in a wide number of injuries and one of the most common areas damaged is your back. In cases of severe back injury such as herniated discs and spinal compression fractures, surgery may be necessary to relieve chronic pain and restore sensation or mobility in extremities.
Auto Accidents
How Do You Know If Neck Or Back Pain Is Simply A Muscle Strain, Or A More Serious Injury? You Likely Won’t Know For Certain Until You Are Evaluated By A Medical Professional, But There Are Some Symptoms That May Indicate That Medical Help Is Needed.
Meet Dr. Pasquale X. Montesano
Dr. Pasquale X. Montesano is the principal Orthopedic Spine Surgeon at Montesano Spine & Sport. He holds a Bachelor of Science from Siena College and a medical degree from New York Medical College.
With extensive postgraduate training, Dr. Montesano has earned multiple awards, including the Volvo Award in Clinical Science (1998) and the Howmedica Spinal Fixator Grant (1989). He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Spine Surgery Society, a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, and a Member of the American College of Forensic Examiners.
Our Mission
Helping patients regain function and comfort from serious spine conditions.
Your First Visit
We’ll review your medical history, receive a neurological exam, and explore treatment options with a clear understanding of risks and benefits.
