My Neck Really Hurts. Could It Be Broken?

Neck fractures and injuries are very complex. In fact, the symptoms from these types of injuries can vary from person to person. Therefore, some people may not realize that they have a severe neck injury and go about their normal activities, while others experience excruciating pain from the neck to the lower back. Regardless of whether or not you are in pain, it is crucial that you seek medical treatment anytime that you have been in an accident.

The symptoms that likely indicate that you have a broken or fractured neck

The neck is made up of seven bones, which are very small and referred to as cervical vertebrae. These bones can be found in the area below the skull and above the shoulders. When any of your neck bones become broken, it can be very serious and even deadly. Individuals with a broken or fractured neck may have various symptoms, such as:

• Chronic pain in the neck, upper back, and shoulders
• Tenderness and sensitivity
• Trouble breathing
• Issues with moving certain body parts
• Bruising, swelling, and disfigurement in the neck
• Inability to walk, move, or balance
• Paralysis
• Feeling tingling, prickles, or numbness within the neck and other areas of the body
• Muscle weakness

Is it possible to have a broken or fractured neck and be unaware of it?

People are often surprised about this, but it is very possible for you to have a broken or fractured neck and not know it. Due to the various symptoms of these injuries, you may not realize that your neck is seriously injured or that you have hurt it at all. In fact, some people only experience tingling and numbing feelings and do not think twice about it. Unfortunately, even if doctor orders tests on your neck after an accident, they may also fail to show the break or fracture on your neck.

While it is not uncommon for individuals to find out months down the line that they have been suffering a broken neck, this is very dangerous and can lead to severe complications. A broken or fractured neck is considered a medical emergency that should be diagnosed and treated right away. Therefore, it may be wise to be persistent and ask the doctor to check your neck more than once if you have been in a recent accident. Second opinions can make a huge difference in a person’s quality of life.

What types of accidents and incidents cause broken necks?

A broken neck can emerge after many different types of accidents. Here are 10 of the most common accidents and incidents that often cause broken necks:

1. Car accidents
2. Bicycle accidents
3. Truck accidents
4. Motorcycle accidents
5. Sports accidents
6. Workplace accidents
7. Swimming accidents
8. Slip and fall accidents
9. Boating accidents
10. Train accidents
11. Plane accidents

What other types of neck injuries occur after an accident?

If you are unsure about whether or not you have a broken or fractured neck, there are a few other neck injuries that frequently occur after various accidents. Some of the most common neck injuries that our Chicago personal injury attorneys assist clients with include:

• Whiplash: Whiplash occurs after an accident that causes a person’s head to move very quickly in a back-and-forth motion. When a person has this type of injury, it means that the soft tissues within their neck have been severely injured or even damaged.
• Pinched nerve within the neck: Even though a pinched nerve can be minor, this injury can lead to severe and excruciating pain. It usually occurs when an individual’s nerves have been squeezed, compressed, or smashed. While pinched nerves are considered minor, they can become serious injuries if left untreated.
• Spinal cord injury: Spinal cord injuries are very serious. As a matter of fact, most people who have spinal cord injuries never make a full recovery and can become paralyzed, depending on the severity and location of their injury. When a person has symptoms and pain within their neck, shoulders, or upper back, there is a chance that they have an injury located on their upper spinal cord area.
• Herniated disk: Individuals can have a herniated disk injury within their neck. This often happens when the disk situated within the bones in their neck slips out of place. If this is the case for you, it is crucial to have this repaired as quickly as possible to prevent further complications. Unfortunately, herniated disks may not show any signs or symptoms, but with the proper tests and medical treatment, your doctor should be able to find this injury and begin treating it promptly.
• Fractured vertebra: It is common for individuals to find out that they have a fractured vertebra in their neck or upper back. This usually leads to excruciating pain and inability to move the neck or other body parts. Most of the time, individuals diagnosed with a fractured vertebra need to wear a neck brace for several months. Depending on how severe your injury is, you may also need surgery.

If you suffer neck pain, a neck injury, or a broken neck caused by the negligence of another person, please do not hesitate to reach out to a Chicago personal injury lawyer from Gainsberg Injury and Accident Lawyers at your earliest opportunity. Our team will work tirelessly to help you pursue compensation for your injuries and other losses from the accident. With our experience and knowledge, we know and understand that a broken neck is a very painful, life-altering, and traumatic experience. Our attorneys are ready to hold the defendant accountable for their negligent actions and fight for your right to the compensation you deserve. Call or submit our contact form to schedule your free consultation today. We look forward to meeting you and going over your legal options soon!