Cervical spine injuries, most commonly referred to as neck injuries, differ in types and severity. Nonetheless, a significant fraction of these injuries is caused by accidents and traumas that often affect the spine. Initially, these types of pain will seem like a minor injury. However, neglecting neck pain and other symptoms may aggravate the condition of your spine.
On that note, a doctor from Delhi has given us some insights about what to do if you suspect that you’re suffering from an injury such as whiplash, neck sprain, and other common types of neck damage. Here are symptoms and warning signs you have to look out for.
Neck Sprain
In general, a neck sprain is caused by an injury to your ligaments, a series of connective tissues that hold your bones together. Often, this injury is characterized by a painful sensation at the back of your head, your upper shoulder, and your neck. Nonetheless, other symptoms include muscle spasms, neck stiffness, and arm tingling.
Depending on the severity of the injury, you may be able to alleviate the symptoms through icing the area and getting enough rest. However, if symptoms persist, you should consult a doctor.
Whiplash
Ultimately, whiplash is caused by a sudden or forceful violent movement of the head. Hence, it’s a common type of neck injury one gets after a car accident. Nonetheless, it’s a condition wherein the soft tissues such as ligaments, muscles, and nerves of your neck are strained or damaged. This results in various symptoms like neck pain, headache, and dizziness. In severe cases, you’re most likely to experience numbness, tingling, and weakness in your neck and other extremities. But regardless of the severity of the symptoms, it’s recommended to consult your doctor immediately. In this way, you’ll get a proper assessment of how bad the injury is.
Neck Disk Injury
Unbeknownst to many, heavy lifting may also strain your neck in a harmful way. A lot of people often suffer from a neck disk injury when participating in activities that strain the spine. A common injury resulting from such incidents is a neck disk injury. In general, this is a condition wherein the vertebral disk of your neck gets damaged. Hence, a variety of symptoms may be experienced. Also, pain can travel from the neck to the legs. This is why it’s essential to see a doctor as soon as you feel pain or a tingling sensation in your neck and limbs, especially after lifting heavy materials.
Overall, no matter how minor a neck injury is, it’s essential to consult your doctor immediately. One of the most common mistakes one makes when feeling noticeable symptoms of an injury is to neglect it. Frequently, they settle for minor treatments such as icing and resting. While it’s true that these methods can help alleviate some symptoms, the truth is that a minor neck injury may lead to worse injuries such as a vertebral or spinal fracture. This can result in paralysis or worse – death.
