Latest Blogs

Neck and back pain are among the most common symptoms people experience following vehicle collisions and other accidents. If you are experiencing neck or back pain, it is important that you see a doctor promptly. Neck and back pain can have various causes, and identifying the cause of your symptoms is critical for determining the type of treatment you need.

Along with seeing a doctor, you should also consult with a Naples personal injury lawyer. If someone else is responsible for your neck or back pain, you may be entitled to financial compensation. An experienced injury lawyer will be able to assess your legal rights and pursue all claims you have available.

Common Causes of Neck and Back Pain After an Accident in Naples

What are some of the causes of neck and back pain after an accident in Naples or elsewhere in Florida? Some of the most common causes include:

Herniated Disc

A herniated disc (also called a ruptured disc or slipped disc) is a back injury that occurs when one of the soft, jelly-like discs between the vertebrae in your spine gets damaged. While this damage can result from repetitive strain, it can also result from physical trauma. Herniated discs are common injuries in vehicle collisions, slips and falls, and other accidents, and they can cause back pain that radiates from the location of the injury.

Along with back pain, herniated discs can also cause muscle weakness, muscle spasms, numbness, tingling, and “pins and needles” sensations. Depending on where in your back your herniated disc is located, you may experience pain and other symptoms in your arms and hands or legs and feet as well.

Nerve Damage

Nerve damage is a common cause of neck and back pain. The spinal column is a bundle of nerves that sends signals throughout your body. It runs from the base of your skull to the base of your spine. Herniated discs and other injuries can cause nerve damage in the event of an accident, and this nerve damage can cause severe pain in the affected area of the neck or back.

Oftentimes, accident victims will describe the pain caused by nerve damage as “shooting pain,” and certain movements can cause their pain to flare up instantly. Depending on the location and extent of the nerve damage caused by a traumatic accident, a variety of treatment options (including surgery) may be available.

Soft Tissue Damage

Muscles, ligaments, and tendons provide strength and stability in the neck and back. These are three main types of soft tissue in the body, and they can all be damaged in a serious accident. While strains and sprains will often (though not always) heal without surgery, surgery will typically be necessary to repair a tear. This is especially true for complete tears, which result in the separation of the two torn ends of the soft tissue.

Along with a deep or throbbing pain, other common symptoms of soft tissue damage include swelling, bruising, and stiffness. If you are experiencing these symptoms in your neck or back after an accident, you may need a CT scan or MRI to determine what forms of treatment are necessary.

Vertebrae Fracture

Neck or back pain after an accident can also be symptomatic of a vertebrae fracture. While some vertebrae fractures can result in paralysis or have other life-changing effects, others can have symptoms similar to nerve or soft tissue damage. However, the treatment needs of individuals who suffer vertebrae fractures are very different, and this is one reason (among many) why it is important to obtain a prompt and thorough diagnosis.

Whiplash

Whiplash can cause neck and back pain after an accident as well. Whiplash occurs when the head moves forward and then “snaps” back due to a severe impact. It is most common in rear-end car accidents, though it can also result from a variety of other types of accidents. While whiplash is often referred to as a singular injury, it is actually a condition that results from damage to the muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nerves in the neck and upper spine.

Accident victims who experience whiplash will usually have constant pain that worsens with movement of the neck. Whiplash can cause headaches, dizziness, numbness in the arms and hands, and even lower back pain as well. Treatment needs vary, and understanding the extent of the damage is the first step toward recovery.

Diagnosing the Cause of Neck or Back Pain After an Accident

Since the treatment options for different types of injuries vary, it is important to obtain an accurate diagnosis of the cause of your neck or back pain after an accident. To diagnose the cause of your pain, your doctor may perform tests including:

• Physical Examination – Where exactly are you experiencing pain? Is the pain on one or both sides of your body? Does your neck or back pain worsen with movement? Does it restrict your movement? These are just some of the factors your doctor will consider when performing a physical examination.
• MRI or CT Scan – MRIs and CT scans are used to identify damage to the soft tissue, nerves, discs, and vertebrae in the neck and back.
• Nerve Conduction Study (NCS) or EMG – Nerve conduction studies and EMG tests are also used to detect nerve damage caused by physical trauma.
• X-Ray – X-rays are used to examine bone and soft tissue damage. If you are experiencing pain and other symptoms that are consistent with a fracture, sprain, strain, or tear, your doctor may recommend an X-ray (possibly in addition to an MRI or CT scan).

Discuss Your Legal Rights with Naples Personal Injury Lawyer Randall L. Spivey

Due to the substantial costs of treatment and recovery, if you are experiencing neck or back pain after an accident, you should consult with a lawyer as soon as possible. To schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with Naples personal injury lawyer Randall L. Spivey, please call the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. at 239-793-7748 or request an appointment online today at Spiveylaw.com.