Neck Pain After a Car Accident
Injured in a crash? For neck pain not linked to a crash, see our neck pain treatment page.
You expected a sore neck for a day or two after the crash. A week later it still hurts to turn your head, and the ache now runs into your shoulder blade.
A collision loads the cervical spine in directions it does not normally move. The facet joints, the small paired joints at the back of each vertebra, take much of the force. They inflame and lose motion. The surrounding muscles tighten to protect the area, and the guarding becomes a second source of pain. When a nerve leaving the neck is irritated, the symptoms travel into the shoulder, the arm, or the hand.
Pain that spreads, along with numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arm, points to nerve involvement. These findings shape the exam and the plan.
How Dr. Dudley treats it
Treatment starts with finding which segments lost motion and which muscles are guarding.
Chiropractic adjustment.
Restores movement to the restricted neck joints. Read more about chiropractic care.
Dry needling.
Releases the tight muscular bands holding the area in spasm. Read more about dry needling.
Spinal decompression.
Reduces pressure on the nerve when a disc is pressing on it. Read more about spinal decompression.
Every visit is documented for your records and your claim. Clear notes on your symptoms, exam findings, and progress support the case your attorney and insurer review.
How care is paid in North Carolina
Medical Payments coverage, if your policy includes it, typically pays for treatment after a crash regardless of fault. See our auto accident page for the full picture of how care is paid.
Two separate deadlines apply. Your policy requires notice of the crash within days, and a three-year limit governs filing suit against the at-fault driver. Both are covered on our page about North Carolina claim deadlines.
Free resource: the Accident Injury Recovery and Claim Workbook
Keep your injuries, treatment, and bills organized from the first day, and see what to do in the 72 hours after a crash. Print it or fill it in on your device. Get the free workbook.
Common questions
Is neck pain after a car accident normal?
It is one of the most common injuries in a collision. The crash forces the neck through a range it was not built to handle at speed, straining the joints and soft tissue.
When does neck pain after a crash mean something serious?
Numbness, tingling, or weakness running into the arm or hand points to nerve irritation. So does pain that worsens rather than eases over the first week. Both warrant an exam.
Does insurance cover neck pain treatment after an accident in North Carolina?
Medical Payments coverage, if your policy includes it, typically pays for treatment after a crash regardless of fault. See our auto accident page for how care is paid in North Carolina.
How soon should I come in?
Within a few days. Early treatment keeps the injury from setting into a chronic pattern.
Related: Whiplash and auto injury, herniated disc from a car accident, all auto accident injury care
Schedule an appointment or call 704-663-2010.
