Whether you suffered a head injury in a car accident or from a slip and fall, it’s essential to recognize that head trauma can lead to delayed symptoms beyond the immediate injury. Neck pain after head trauma is one of many delayed symptoms that can significantly impact your quality of life. Understanding the different types of head trauma that can lead to neck pain is important for both prevention and effective treatment. Let’s explore three common types of head trauma and their connection to neck pain.
3 Types of Head Trauma that Can Lead to Neck Pain
Whiplash, concussion, and cervical spine injuries are three examples of head traumas that can lead to neck pain. The cervical spine refers to the 7 vertebrae in your neck and the top of your back. Neck pain from head trauma can be caused by issues with the cervical spine as well as surrounding soft tissues like muscles, ligaments, and nerves. Here’s what you need to know about these 3 types of head trauma and what symptoms you might experience.
Whiplash
Whiplash is perhaps the most well-known type of head trauma that can also lead to neck pain. Whiplash occurs when the head is suddenly jerked backward and then forward rapidly, often in a car accident or during contact sports. This sudden movement can strain the muscles and ligaments in the neck, leading to stiffness, soreness, and decreased range of motion. In some cases, whiplash can also cause more severe injuries, like a herniated disc or fractured vertebra, which can make neck pain worse.
Concussion
Concussions are the most common type of traumatic brain injury and typically occur from a blow to the head or a sudden jolt to the body. While concussions primarily affect the brain, they can also lead to neck and head pain because of how the brain and spinal cord are interconnected. Neck pain with a concussion can develop because of muscle tension, inflammation, or misalignment of the cervical spine.
Cervical Spine Injury
Cervical spine injuries, like fractures or dislocations, can result from a sudden, high-impact blow to the head, like from a fall or a sports injury. These types of injuries involve both the head and neck and can directly damage various structures, causing severe pain, instability, and potentially neurological symptoms. Additionally, cervical spine injuries may also cause referred pain, where pain is felt in areas away from the site of injury, including the neck.
When to Seek Treatment for Head Trauma and Neck Pain
Head trauma and neck pain are serious concerns that should never be ignored. Whether you’ve experienced a sudden injury like whiplash or are noticing persistent discomfort after a concussion, knowing when to seek treatment is crucial for your overall health and well-being. Here are some signs to look out for that will help you determine when to visit a head injury doctor near you:
Persistent or Worsening Pain
One of the most obvious signs that it’s time to get treatment for head trauma and neck pain is if the pain persists or gets worse over time. While mild discomfort may go away on its own with rest and self-care, ongoing or increasing pain could indicate a more serious underlying issue.
Limited Range of Motion
Difficulty moving your neck or experiencing stiffness and decreased flexibility are common symptoms of a head and neck injury. If you find it difficult to turn your head from side to side, tilt it forward or backward, or notice worsening pain with these movements, it’s a sign that you should seek medical attention.
Altered Mental State
Confusion, disorientation, loss of consciousness, or memory loss after a head trauma should always be taken seriously. These symptoms could indicate a concussion or other traumatic brain injury that requires immediate medical attention. If you or someone you know experiences a head injury and exhibits any of these signs, seek emergency medical care right away.
Recurring Symptoms
Even if you’ve received treatment for head trauma and neck pain in the past and experienced relief, symptoms that keep coming back should not be ignored. Recurring neck pain could indicate an underlying issue that hasn’t been fully addressed or has worsened over time. A head injury specialist can determine the cause of your symptoms and develop an appropriate treatment plan for you.
The Importance of Prompt Medical Care
Prompt medical attention for head trauma is so important because of the potential for serious and even life-threatening complications. A head injury could damage the brain, spinal cord, or surrounding structures and require immediate evaluation and treatment. Timely medical care can also help prevent further injury and promote optimal recovery. Delaying or neglecting to seek medical attention for head trauma can result in prolonged pain and disability, as well as increase the risk of long-term complications. It is essential to prioritize seeking prompt medical attention following any head injury, no matter how minor it may seem at first.
Treating Neck Pain After a Head Trauma
Whether it’s whiplash, a concussion, or a cervical spine injury, prompt and appropriate treatment is essential to alleviate neck pain and prevent long-term complications. Chiropractic care offers a holistic approach to managing neck pain associated with head trauma, focusing on restoring proper spinal alignment and promoting overall wellness. If you’ve experienced head trauma and are suffering from neck pain, don’t hesitate to seek professional help from your trusted College Park chiropractor. Here are some examples of treating neck pain after head trauma.
Whiplash & Neck Pain Treatment
Treatment for whiplash at AICA Orthopedics in College Park can include a combination of rest, ice, physical therapy, and chiropractic care. Our team of College Park chiropractors can use spinal adjustments to realign the vertebrae in the neck and relieve pressure on affected nerves. Physical therapy exercises are designed to strengthen the neck muscles and improve flexibility.
Concussion & Neck Pain Treatment
Managing neck pain after a concussion requires a comprehensive approach, which can include physical rest, cognitive rest, physical therapy, and chiropractic care. Chiropractors can perform gentle, noninvasive adjustments to alleviate neck pain and restore proper alignment to the spine. Your concussion doctor may also recommend exercises and stretches to relieve tension in your neck and back muscles and improve neck mobility.
Cervical Spine Injury & Neck Pain Treatment
Treating neck pain caused by cervical spine injuries requires prompt medical attention to assess the extent of the injury and prevent further damage. Depending on the severity of the injury, treatment options may include immobilization with a brace or collar, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery.
AICA Orthopedics for Neck Pain After Head Trauma
You might be wondering, “Can a chiropractor diagnose a concussion?” At AICA Orthopedics, our healthcare team includes chiropractors, physical therapists, neurologists, and orthopedic doctors who work together to diagnose and treat a wide range of head injuries, including concussions. Visit AICA Orthopedics in College Park for personalized treatment to relieve neck pain after head trauma.