Arizonans, did you know that if you’ve been in a truck accident, the chances of suffering from a whiplash injury are significantly higher compared to smaller vehicle collisions? Whiplash, a soft tissue neck injury, occurs when your head and neck are violently forced back and forth. This sudden jolt can damage the muscles, ligaments, and discs in the neck, leading to a range of painful, sometimes debilitating, symptoms.
According to the latest report on truck accidents from the AZDOT Accident Data Center, there were over 14,700 commercial truck crashes in AZ in 2022. As major metropolitan areas like Phoenix continue to grow, more commercial truck traffic will come into the area, increasing the chances that an accident, and all the neck pain that comes with it, will occur.
Why Truck Accidents Often Lead to Severe Whiplash
Whiplash is a common injury following any type of vehicle collision, but truck accident injuries tend to be more serious. Commercial vehicles, especially trucks, weigh significantly more than regular cars. In a truck accident, the massive weight and speed of the truck causes a more intense collision. The body of the person inside the smaller vehicle absorbs much of this impact, leading to a violent whipping motion of the neck. As a result, the muscles, ligaments, and vertebrae in the neck and upper spine are dramatically impacted, causing more damage than a typical car crash.
Worse Neck Injuries Than Whiplash
Whiplash may be one of the most common injuries following a truck accident, but it’s often not the only one. In many cases, people involved in truck accidents experience more severe injuries, such as:
- Disc Herniation: Whiplash causes strain on the cervical spine, but the force from a truck accident can also lead to disc herniation. The discs between the vertebrae act as cushions, and when they are displaced or ruptured, they can press on nearby nerves, causing pain, numbness, and even loss of function in the arms or legs.
- Cervical Fractures: The bones in your neck, known as vertebrae, can fracture under the intense pressure of a truck collision. A cervical fracture is a serious injury that requires immediate medical attention, as it can lead to paralysis or other long-term complications if left untreated.
- Nerve Damage and Pinched Nerves: Severe truck accidents can lead to nerve damage in the cervical spine. Nerves that are compressed or pinched due to displaced bones or tissues can result in chronic pain, tingling, weakness, or numbness, particularly in the arms and hands.
Symptoms to Watch Out for After a Truck Accident Injury
Following a truck accident injury, it’s essential to seek medical attention as soon as possible, even though whiplash symptoms may not appear immediately. It’s common for whiplash pain to develop hours or even days after the accident, so it’s advisable to see an experienced personal injury doctor if you notice any of the following symptoms:
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Headaches (especially at the base of the skull)
- Dizziness or blurred vision
- Fatigue or difficulty concentrating
- Tingling or numbness in the arms or hands
- Limited range of motion in the neck
- Persistent back pain
These symptoms can indicate whiplash or more severe injuries like herniated discs or nerve damage.
Treatment for Whiplash and Other Truck Accident Neck Injuries
Recovering from a truck accident injury requires a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your specific injuries. At Stridewell, we have a dedicated team of spine care professionals who specialize in caring for and treating patients experiencing neck pain due to whiplash, back pain, shoulder pain, and other injuries caused by commercial truck accidents. Our team consists of physician assistants, interventional pain management physicians, orthopedic surgeons, and spine surgeons. We take a holistic approach to our patients, and exhaust all treatment plans, such as physical therapy, chiropractic care, and pain management before starting discussions regarding surgery. Our services are also unique in the sense that no previous referrals are needed to be seen by our highly trained specialists.
The Importance of Seeing the Right Doctor
Seeing an experienced truck accident doctor for your whiplash treatment is crucial, especially if you’re involved in a personal injury case. These specialists not only understand the complexity of neck injuries like whiplash, but also have the expertise needed to provide thorough medical documentation, which is key when proving the extent of your injuries in court. An experienced truck accident doctor can offer the precise assessments needed to support your claim, helping you recover physically while also strengthening your case for compensation. At Stridewell, we specialize in treating motor vehicle accidents to help you get back on your feet as quickly as possible. By receiving prompt care from an experienced physician, you can reduce the long-term effects of whiplash and other neck injuries, preventing chronic pain and mobility issues from affecting your quality of life.
In conclusion, truck accidents are often more severe than typical car accidents due to the sheer size and weight of commercial vehicles. This increased force can lead to more significant injuries, including whiplash, herniated discs, and nerve damage. If you’re in pain from a truck accident injury, it’s crucial to seek medical attention and begin treatment as soon as possible.
At Stridewell, our team of specialists is dedicated to providing comprehensive care for personal injury victims, helping you recover from whiplash and other neck injuries with a personalized, effective treatment plan.
Contact Stridewell: Your Go to Clinic for Truck Accident Pain in Phoenix, AZ
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