Neck and Back Pain After an Accident
One of the most common medical conditions after a car accident is neck and back pain. Many car accident victims experience this pain as the result of whiplash or other physical trauma during the accident.
It’s important to seek immediate medical help after an accident to ensure that symptoms aren’t indicators of more serious conditions. While not all neck and back pain are signs of serious medical ailments, only a doctor can diagnose these symptoms.
Common Symptoms of Neck and Back Pain
Neck and back pain can be caused by a variety of reasons — not just by a car accident. Yet many people experience similar symptoms after car accidents. Some of the most common neck and back symptoms include:
- Stiff neck
- Upper back and neck pain
- Difficulty sleeping
- Irritability and depression
Regardless of the severity of symptoms, it’s important for anyone involved in a car accident to seek treatment from a medical professional. Sometimes symptoms don’t seem severe but can worsen over time if they remain untreated.
When to Seek Care for Neck and Back Pain
Neck and back pain can be extremely common after an accident. Many car accident victims suffer from one or both to varying degrees. Yet there are some signs that someone may need to seek professional care for their symptoms. Some of the signs that neck and back pain might be more serious include:
- Abdominal pain
- Fever
- Difficulty going to the bathroom
- Numbness in the lower half of the body
Car accident victims should immediately seek medical treatment after a car accident to rule out a concussion or other serious ailments. If they experience any of the above symptoms, it’s important that they seek immediate emergency care as their symptoms might be related to more serious injuries.
Treatment for Neck and Back Pain
Since every patient’s neck and back pain will differ, the treatment will also vary. If the patient’s doctor deems the symptoms non-life-threatening, the patient can treat back pain at home with heat, ice or a combination of the two. A doctor may also prescribe over-the-counter pain medications, such as Tylenol or aspirin to manage symptoms.
Yet this isn’t always the case. Sometimes pain resulting from a car accident can be much more serious and require immediate medical attention. The doctor will probably perform a physical examination to determine the seriousness of the condition. Some treatments for serious lower back pain include:
- Chiropractic treatment
- Massage therapy
- Physical therapy
- Prescription pain medication
- Steroid injections
Regional Medical Group
Regional Medical Group provides medical care to patients involved in personal injury incidents and car accidents. Instead of accepting insurance as a form of partial payment, they receive payment when the case settles. This is ideal for patients who do not have insurance or who are afraid insurance won’t cover some or all of their medical procedures.
Since it’s so important for patients to seek care for neck and back pain immediately after an accident — regardless of whether or not they have health insurance or the means to pay for the care — an accident settlement may be the only way some victims can afford medical care.
Regional Medical Group can help diagnose and treat the symptoms while offering patients peace of mind that their bills will be covered.
