Auto Accident Pain: Why Neck and Head Injuries Require Prompt Care

Car accidents are one of the most common causes of head and neck injuries, even after seemingly minor crashes. Learn why prompt medical attention is key to recovery and what’s at risk if you delay treatment.

Each year, millions of Americans get injured in automobile accidents. These crashes range from mild to severe, but head and neck injuries, like concussions, whiplash, and traumatic brain injury (TBI), are some of the most common outcomes. What you might not know is that even minor accidents can present serious risks if you don’t seek treatment afterward.

At Palm Beach Pain Institute in Delray Beach, Florida, board-certified pain management physician Marcie Merson, MD, specializes in treating head and neck injuries. Read on to discover why car crash-related head and neck injuries are so common, the risks of delaying treatment, and the benefits of prompt medical care.

Why are head and neck injuries so common after car accidents?

Car accidents often occur suddenly, forcing you to slam on the brakes. Even if you’re wearing a seatbelt, this rapid deceleration can cause your head to snap forward, sometimes striking the steering wheel, dashboard, or windshield. In a minor collision, like a fender bender, your neck may whip back and forth, straining muscles or even tearing ligaments and tendons.

Despite these risks, some people decide it isn’t worth visiting the doctor after an accident. However, this choice can have lasting consequences. Following a crash, adrenaline often masks pain, so symptoms may not appear until later. That’s why getting a prompt evaluation is so important.

Risks of delaying treatment

If you don’t have any noticeable injuries following a car crash, seeking professional medical care may not seem necessary. However, symptoms aren’t always immediate. Swelling can take several hours or days to set in, and internal bleeding is rarely apparent. Left untreated, these and other serious injuries can lead to long-term disability, memory issues, and chronic pain.

Some car crash-related injuries are easily spotted. You should never ignore the following warning signs:

Persistent or worsening headaches
Dizziness and nausea
Vision changes
Neck stiffness or tingling
Numbness in the arms or hands
Difficulty concentrating or memory lapses

The bottom line is this: If you’re involved in an automobile accident, call us right away. In most cases, we’re able to see patients within 24 hours and often sooner.

The benefits of prompt post-accident medical care

Visiting us immediately after a car accident is one of the most effective ways to speed healing and reduce your risk of long-term side effects.

Upon your arrival, Dr. Merson completes a physical exam and may order diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays, a CT scan, or an MRI. These tests help identify hidden injuries, including broken bones or internal bleeding. She also checks for concussion or TBI and assesses your mobility, balance, and reflexes.

After gathering this information, Dr. Merson creates a personalized treatment plan. Depending on your needs, this may include physical therapy, medication management, or osteopathic manual therapy (OMT). The goal is to reduce inflammation, ease pain, and encourage the body’s natural healing process.

Do not wait to seek auto-accident injury treatment

If you’ve been in a car accident, don’t wait for an evaluation from a pain management physician. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent serious side effects and support a quicker recovery. You can schedule an appointment today by calling our office at 561-499-7020 or booking online.