Any type of injury has the potential to impact your entire body, even if you’re unaware.
While you might not be too bothered by something like a fractured finger, getting medical treatment for bigger injuries is critical.
For instance, a neck injury is especially important to treat right away because it can potentially cause spinal cord damage or fractures. A healthy neck and spine are crucial to your well-being, and untreated injuries can make it hard to sit, walk, get up and down, and even move.
If you’ve experienced a neck injury that you haven’t been seen for, here are all the best reasons to make that medical appointment right away.
1. Only a doctor can truly know the long-term impact
What seems like nothing more than a sore neck to you might actually be a sign of a serious injury. Only a medical doctor can tell you if your neck injury requires treatment or is serious enough to have long-term consequences if you ignore their advice.
For instance, a doctor can take an X-ray of your neck to find out if it’s been fractured or broken, and this alone is worth the trip to the ER. Even if you don’t want to have any surgery or take any medications, an X-ray is critical.
2. Not all pain is felt immediately
After being involved in an accident, whether you slipped and fell or experienced a car crash, you might have a neck injury without knowing. Not all pain shows up right away. For example, if you experience whiplash, you might not feel any pain for 12 hours, a full day, or even a few days. It’s best to see a doctor if you’ve had trauma to your neck, even if you aren’t in pain. Waiting can make your injury worse.
Whiplash is a common neck injury and occurs when there’s a sudden change in movement, like during a car crash. The inertia causes your neck, head, and body to move at different speeds, which compresses or extends your neck fast, stressing your spine beyond its limits.
3. You’re experiencing symptoms after your accident
No matter how long it’s been since your accident, getting medical care is essential if you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms:
- Pain that travels down your arm. This might cause your hand to feel weak and is an indication that you might have a herniated disc pressing on a nerve.
- Chest pain/pressure. If your heart is inflamed or if you’ve had a heart attack, it can also cause neck pain.
- Fever, headache, and a stiff neck. These are classic signs of a neck injury.
- Poor bladder or bowel control. Pressure on your spine can cause incontinence.
- Instability of the neck. Being able to move your neck forward or backward further than usual can be a sign of torn ligaments.
These are the most common symptoms that strongly suggest medical care is needed. If you’re in pain, don’t wait to see a doctor. If you get checked out and you’re fine, at least you can have peace of mind.
4. You plan on trying to get compensation
Whether you’re filing a claim with someone else’s insurance company, your own auto insurance policy, or you’re filing a personal injury lawsuit, receiving immediate medical attention will increase your chances of getting decent compensation.
If you don’t get checked out by a doctor, the insurance company you’re filing a claim with will try to reject your claim or dismiss your case on the grounds that you aren’t as injured as you claim. The longer you wait to get seen and diagnosed by a doctor, the more likely that wait time will work against you legally.
When financial compensation is your goal, it’s in your best interest to get that medical exam and follow your doctor’s orders to the letter in terms of what they suggest for treatment and recovery. Personal injury attorneys pay good money for leads and they won’t take cases they don’t think they can win. If you’ve ignored the responsibility of getting medical attention, there’s a chance you might have trouble finding an attorney.
Don’t put off your wellbeing
Regardless of the reason, if you postpone getting your neck injury treated, there could be consequences. Don’t risk long-term pain or a lost claim. Prioritize your wellbeing and get the medical help you need right away.