Accident Neck Pain Treatment in Scottsdale

AUTO ACCIDENT RECOVERY

Neck Pain and Whiplash After a Car Accident

Neck injuries such as whiplash rank among the most common forms of trauma you are likely to suffer in an auto accident, particularly when your vehicle is struck from behind. If you are experiencing neck pain following a road collision, Craft Accident Care Center Arizona in Scottsdale has all the facilities you need, from on-site diagnostic technology to effective treatment and rehabilitation. Walk in any time, or book a same-day appointment over the phone or online. Contact Craft Accident Care Center Arizona today for expert treatment of neck pain.

NECK PAIN Q&A

Whiplash, Disc Injuries, and Treatment

Why do I have neck pain after an auto accident?

Neck pain is one of the most common complaints following an auto accident. Even injuries that do not seem serious at the time can develop over the following weeks or months into a severe and persistent source of pain.

A sudden impact violently stretches the ligaments and muscles of the neck and can damage the discs and vertebrae as well. The discs cushion the vertebrae — each is a flexible structure, soft at the center and wrapped in a tough casing.

An accident can force the neck to move so fast and so hard that the discs themselves are damaged, letting the soft center squeeze out into the spinal canal. That injury is known as cervical disc herniation.

Of every cause of neck pain, the one tied most closely to auto accidents is whiplash.

What is whiplash?

Whiplash is a neck injury that occurs when your head travels back and forth with excessive force, snapping down toward your chest and rebounding again. Its medical name is cervical acceleration-deceleration (CAD) syndrome, and it typically results from a vehicle striking yours from behind. Symptoms of whiplash include:

Neck pain that worsens as you move
Stiff neck
Headaches from the base of your skull
Reduced range of motion
Fatigue and dizziness
Numbness or tingling in your arms
Discomfort in your shoulders, upper back, or arms

Whiplash can affect any soft tissue in the neck, meaning torn tendons, ligaments, and muscles are possible, along with disc damage. Whiplash can also cause concussion.

How is neck pain treated?

Treatment varies with the cause of the pain, but usually involves:

Medication

Pain-relieving medication and anti-inflammatories help you manage neck pain. Losing the ability to turn your head is particularly disabling, which makes these treatments important. Craft Accident Care Center Arizona has an on-site pharmacy to fill prescriptions.

Physical therapy

Physical therapy pairs exercises that strengthen the neck muscles and connective tissue with passive treatments such as:

Heat and ice therapy
Neck collar or brace
Ultrasound therapy
Traction
Electrical muscle stimulation
Massage therapy
Phonophoresis

These techniques provide safe, effective ways to heal damaged tissue and move your recovery forward. An injection for pain or inflammation may also help, making it easier to take part in physical therapy.