Neck Pain in Waco Temple Killeen Texas

Whiplash is a neck injury due to forceful, rapid back-and-forth movement of the neck, like the cracking of a whip. It is a traumatic injury to neck muscles, ligaments, and spinal disks that is most commonly caused by the sudden jerking motion of a rear-end collision. Whiplash can cause chronic pain and problems with memory, concentration, and sleep. Suffering from whiplash might not be felt until the following day or two after the accident. Most people who experience whiplash feel better in a few weeks. However, in severe cases, the pain can persist for several months or years. 

Car accidents can also cause broken bones in the neck and other serious neck injuries. Neck pain can be devastating. We understand that when another person’s negligence causes that pain, it can cause a substantial disruption to your daily routine. Although every case is different, the Waco neck pain attorneys at Dunnam & Dunnam have recovered significant sums of money for those who suffer from neck injuries. Call one of our personal injury attorneys at 254-753-6437 to discuss your neck pain injury.

Neck Pain Treatment in Central Texas

Neck strain is an injury to the muscles and tendons that support and move the head and neck. The neck is susceptible to damage because it is capable of an extensive range of motion and is, therefore, less stable than many other body areas. Neck strain is often called “whiplash.” Whiplash injuries can be serious and may require x-rays, CT scans, or MRIs for proper diagnosis.

The neck contains many vital anatomic structures, the most critical being the airway (breathing tube), the spinal cord, and the blood vessels that supply the brain. Neck strain injuries do not typically involve serious injury to any of these vital structures and also are not usually associated with fractures or dislocations of any of the bones of the cervical spine.

What Are the Symptoms of Neck Pain or Whiplash?

The pain of whiplash is hard to ignore. The symptoms may include:

• Pain, decreased range of motion, and tightness in the neck. The muscles may feel hard or knotted.
• Pain when rocking your head from side to side or backward and forward.
• Tenderness.
• Headaches at the base of the skull that radiate towards the forehead.

Sometimes, the pain of a neck strain is immediate. In other cases, it can take several hours or days before your neck begins to hurt.

What’s the Treatment for Neck Pain?

Here’s the good news: given time, whiplash should heal on its own. To help with recovery, you should:

Ice your neck to reduce pain and swelling as soon as you can after the injury. Do it for 20-30 minutes every 3-4 hours for 2-3 days. Wrap the ice in a towel or cloth to prevent injury to the skin.

Take painkillers or other drugs, if recommended by your doctor. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve), will help with pain and swelling. However, these medicines can have side effects. Never use them regularly unless your doctor specifically says you should. Check with your doctor before taking them if you take other medication or have any medical problems. If over the counter medications do not work, prescription painkillers and muscle relaxants may be necessary.

Use a neck brace or collar to add support if your doctor recommends it. However, they are not recommended for long-term use because they can weaken the muscles in your neck.

Apply moist heat to your neck — but only after 2-3 days of icing it first. Use heat on your neck only after the initial swelling has gone down. You could use warm, wet towels or take a warm bath.

Other treatments, like ultrasound and massage, may also help.

Waco Neck Pain Injury Lawyers

Dunnam & Dunnam attorneys are experienced in handling claims involving neck injuries. Waco, Temple & Killeen neck pain attorneys at Dunnam & Dunnam can be contacted at 254-753-6437.

The Temple, Killeen & Waco neck pain injury attorneys at Dunnam & Dunnam include: