Cervical Sprain Treatment
A cervical sprain is an example of a common injury seen in motor vehicle accidents. While this is one of the main ways that people injure their back, it is far from the only way. Back pain is one of the top reasons why people seek the care of a medical professional. Like many other injuries, back pain can run the spectrum from relatively benign to extremely severe. Some statistics that have been published on back injuries by The Good Body have shown that:
- About four out of every five people will suffer some form of back injury over the course of their life.
- Around 10 percent of these individuals will suffer a second injury.
- Annually, more than a million back injuries are reported to occur in the workplace.
- Around 20 percent of all work injuries involve the back.
- Those who work in manual labor are more likely to suffer a back injury.
- Back injuries are some of the most commonly reported complications following a car accident.
These numbers show that back injuries are widespread with one example being a cervical sprain.
Defining a Cervical Sprain
The spinal column is made up of many different vertebrae. These bones help protect the spinal cord from injury. These vertebrae are connected by a variety of ligaments and muscles. These tissues are like rubber bands that provide flexibility and mobility to the spine. In an auto accident, these bands can become stretched leading to a sprain. Sudden changes in momentum, such as those seen in a fall or a motor vehicle collision, can lead to a cervical sprain. Some of the symptoms include:
- Pain in the neck
- A sore throat
- Numbness around the neck or arms
- Tingling or shooting sensations in the hands
These symptoms can be frustrating for individuals to face. Fortunately, there are several treatment options available.
Cervical Sprain Treatment Options
Those who have suffered a sprain of their cervical ligaments often have trouble returning to their everyday activities. They might also become frustrated as they wait for their injury to heal. Fortunately, there are many different treatment options available. Some of the options include:
- Taking anti-inflammatory medications such as Motrin or Tylenol to help reduce the swelling.
- Muscle relaxants, such as Flexeril, can help relieve any muscle spasms in the area.
- Alternating ice and heat can help quench the inflammatory process while also relaxing the muscle fibers.
- Wearing a supportive neck brace could be prescribed by the doctor if the sprain is particularly severe.
- Massage therapy can help relax the muscles, reduce the spasms, and remove the pain.
- Exercising the muscles and increasing their activity level could also help to stretch out tight muscle fibers.
In general, the symptoms of a cervical neck sprain will go away within a few weeks. Of course, this timeframe is going to vary based on the severity of the sprain. Some symptoms might persist for several months, making it difficult to return to work or school.
Watch YouTube Video: Lower Back Exercises for Back Physical Therapy. In this short video, physical therapist Tara Pollak demonstrates a few exercises for the lower back after surgery.
Contacting an Injury Lawyer
Many different thoughts float through people’s minds following a serious auto accident. If a loved one has suffered a severe injury, this only increases the amount of stress. It can be difficult for families to think clearly and make decisions during such a hard time. Because of this, meeting with a Sacramento cervical sprain lawyer is a good idea. Some of the ways that a trained injury lawyer can help include:
- Taking a look through the records of the accident to ensure that all of the different details have been considered.
- Discussing the case with accident reconstruction professionals to ensure that the mechanism of the collision is correct.
- Negotiating the case with insurance companies to help families increase the benefits paid out under their policies.
- Moving a case to the court system when required.
Families should not feel like they need to face these tough situations by themselves. Meeting with a cervical sprain lawyer in Sacramento can help loved ones find answers to their questions. You and your family members could be deserving of compensation.
Sacramento Cervical Sprain Lawyers
I’m Ed Smith, a Cervical Sprain Lawyer in Sacramento. A cervical sprain is a prevalent injury after a motor vehicle accident. If someone you care about is having persistent neck or back pain after a car accident, call me when you can at (800) 404-5400 or (916) 921-6400 for free, friendly legal advice.
I am honored to be recognized as a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and the Top One Percent, a National Association of Distinguished Counsel.
All are invited to read our past verdicts or settlements.
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Image Attribution: The photograph used at the opening of this article can be seen in its original state on Pixabay. The image has been printed here with permission.
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