After a collision, many people assume that they are fine if they have walked away without visible injuries. Unfortunately, neck pain after a car accident often develops hours or even days later. Dismissing these symptoms can seriously impact your recovery, which is why exploring interventions like physical therapy shouldn’t wait long.
At JPM Physical Therapy, P.C., we’ve seen how ignoring early warning signs after a car accident can lead to chronic complications that are much harder to treat down the road. If you’re experiencing discomfort following a crash, don’t wait to schedule our physical therapy for neck pain in Queens, NY.
Below, you can learn why ignoring neck pain delays healing and how prompt treatment can support a faster recovery.
Why Neck Pain Often Appears After an Accident
Adrenaline and cortisol flood your system during a traumatic event like a collision, temporarily numbing discomfort. Only once these hormones subside within hours or days will your inflammation, muscle strain, and tissue damage become apparent.
That’s a common occurrence with whiplash. Your head jerks violently forward and backward during the crash, which strains the muscles, ligaments, and tendons in your cervical spine. You might only feel this pain after your adrenaline and cortisol levels return to normal.
The Risks of Ignoring Neck Pain After a Car Accident
According to the National Safety Council, 44,762 people died in motor-vehicle crashes in 2023. Even medically consulted injuries in this same period totaled $5.1 million, so the widespread impact of vehicle collisions is apparent.
When you ignore neck pain after a car accident, the progress of the resulting inflammation, soft-tissue irritation, and movement dysfunction may go unchecked. These untreated injuries can lead to scar tissue buildup, which reduces your range of motion and can cause chronic stiffness. What starts as mild soreness after a car accident can then escalate into debilitating pain, interfering with your work, sleep, and daily activities.
Understanding Common Delayed Neck Pain Complications
Untreated neck pain could mean delayed healing and several long-term complications. For example, research published in Musculoskeletal Science and Practice estimates that 32% to 45% of people with whiplash-associated disorder still experience neck pain one year after their vehicle accidents. Chronic neck pain is another common outcome, often accompanied by frequent headaches and reduced mobility as soft tissue injuries form scar tissue.
Nerve compression is another serious concern after car accidents. Herniated or bulging discs in the cervical spine can press on nearby nerves, leading to:
- Numbness or tingling in the arms and hands
- Weakness in the upper extremities
- Radiating pain that extends into your shoulders and back
Considering the various possibilities, understanding the connection between post-accident pain and recovery helps explain why early therapeutic intervention matters.
When To Get Physical Therapy for Neck Pain Treatment
Your body begins healing immediately after an injury, but without proper guidance, excessive inflammation can cause damage. If you are noticing neck pain after a car accident, physical therapy can help you address the root cause rather than just masking symptoms.
According to the World Health Organization’s 2023 report, approximately 1.19 million people die and up to 50 million others suffer non-fatal injuries due to traffic crashes each year. If you survive a motor vehicle collision but skip proper treatment, you could risk long-term health consequences.
Proper physical therapy for neck pain offers a comprehensive approach. Your sessions will go beyond temporary relief to include manual therapy techniques and modalities designed to reduce pain and restore function. Manual therapy involves hands-on techniques that mobilize joints and release muscle tension, while therapeutic exercises target specific muscles to gradually rebuild strength, improve flexibility, and correct movement patterns.
Persistent headaches, especially those that worsen over time, can signal cervical spine issues. If you experience any of these symptoms, schedule an evaluation as soon as possible.
You should also seek immediate treatment for severe or worsening neck pain. Treatment could help your body address the deepening inflammation or structural damage. Numbness, tingling, or weakness in your arms and hands points to possible nerve involvement.
Start Your Recovery at JPM Physical Therapy, P.C. in Queens, NY
JPM Physical Therapy, P.C.’s physical therapy in Queens, NY, combines evidence-based techniques to create personalized care plans that address pain and support complete recovery. Ignoring early symptoms only extends your recovery timeline and increases the risk of permanent complications, so seeking professional care within days after your collision is highly recommended.
The JPM Physical Therapy, P.C., team treats musculoskeletal injuries with comprehensive care, including targeted physical therapy for whiplash after a car accident. You don’t need to let neck pain after a car accident dictate your quality of life. Call (516) 689-9921 to connect with our physical therapists in Queens, NY, and schedule your appointment as soon as possible.
Our doctors accept most insurance plans, including workers’ compensation, no-fault, and PIP (personal injury protection). Same-day appointments may be available.
Frequently Asked Questions About Neck Pain After Car Accidents
Here are some answers from our physical therapist about your treatment options after a car accident in New York.
How Soon After a Car Accident Should I Schedule Physical Therapy in Queens, NY?
Our physical therapists recommend scheduling your first evaluation within 72 hours of your car accident. Even if you don’t feel severe pain, it’s crucial to identify and treat asymptomatic injuries before they develop.
Can Neck Pain Appear Days After a Collision?
Yes. Delayed symptoms are common due to your body’s stress response masking the initial pain after the crash. Usually, this stress response resolves within hours or days, at which point the pain and other symptoms worsen.
What Happens If I Don’t Treat My Neck Injury?
If you don’t seek treatment for your neck injury within a few days of your car accident, you may experience chronic pain, reduced mobility, and nerve compression.
Why Does Ignoring Neck Pain After a Car Accident Delay Healing?
Whether you ignore neck pain after a car accident or do not seek treatment early enough for asymptomatic injuries, delays could allow inflammation and misalignment to worsen and hinder the healing process.
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