NECK INJURY
AFTER A ROAD ACCIDENT
After a road accident the neck can hurt and stay stiff for weeks because of the sudden jolt. With Dr. Verbitskiy in Maribor, after a medical assessment, we use gentle manual therapy to ease the pain and gradually restore the mobility of the cervical spine.
Whiplash is a neck injury caused by a sudden jerk of the head forwards and backwards, most often in a rear-end collision. Even if an accident seems to pass without consequences, pain and stiffness often appear only after hours or days. That is why the first assessment after an accident is always medical, to rule out fractures and other serious injuries. Only then does gentle manual treatment of the tight muscles and restricted mobility make sense.
Why problems occur after a neck injury
After an accident the following often appear:
- 🔹 A sudden jerk of the head that overstretches the muscles, ligaments and joints of the cervical spine
- 🔹 Reflex tension of the neck and shoulder muscles as protection against pain
- 🔹 Restricted mobility of individual vertebrae
- 🔹 Tension in the muscles at the back of the head, which can cause headaches
- 🔹 Fear of movement, which keeps the tension going
- 🔹 Stress after the accident, which increases sensitivity to pain
How problems after a neck injury present
Common signs are:
- 🔹 Neck pain and stiffness appearing hours or days after the accident
- 🔹 Restricted turning of the head
- 🔹 Headache, especially at the back of the head
- 🔹 Pain and tension in the shoulders and upper back
- 🔹 A feeling of dizziness or unsteadiness
- 🔹 Fatigue and poorer concentration
How we treat a neck injury
Treatment is gentle and takes place only after a medical assessment. The aim is pain relief, releasing tension and gradually restoring the mobility of the cervical spine.
1. Conversation and assessment
A detailed history, examination of the mobility of the cervical spine and an assessment of whether treatment is already suitable.
2. Gentle manual therapy
Release of the muscles of the neck, back of the head and shoulders with gentle techniques, adapted to the recovery phase.
3. Exercises and guidance
Gradual exercises for neck mobility, guidance on posture and everyday movement.
Problems after a neck injury we help with
People most often come to us with these problems:
- 🔹 A stiff neck and pain after an accident (whiplash), once the acute phase has passed
- 🔹 Limited turning of the head
- 🔹 Headache at the back of the head
- 🔹 Tension in the shoulders and shoulder blades
- 🔹 Dizziness with neck movement
- 🔹 Long-lasting pain after a neck injury
Signs that require immediate attention
Seek medical help immediately after a road accident if severe headache, vomiting, dizziness, loss of consciousness, vision or speech disturbances, weakness or tingling in the arms and legs, severe neck pain or problems with bladder or bowel control appear. These may be signs of a serious injury.
After a road accident the first step is always a medical examination, with imaging if necessary. Manual therapy is a complement, not a replacement, and it is suitable once fractures and other serious injuries have been excluded.
What our patients say
Verbitskiy, Manualna terapija - Osteopatija, diagnostika, rehabilitacija, d.o.o. · Maribor
Watch videos about manual therapy and osteopathy on our YouTube channel.
Visit YouTube channel →Frequently asked questions about a neck injury after an accident
Why does my neck hurt only a day after the accident?
Muscles and ligaments are overstretched by the jolt, and pain and stiffness often develop only after hours or days. Even if you feel well at first, a medical assessment makes sense.
When should I start treatment?
After the medical assessment. The timing depends on the type of injury and your problems; we judge this after the examination.
Do I need a neck brace?
The doctor decides this. Wearing one for a long time is usually not recommended, as it can keep the stiffness going.
May I move my neck?
Gentle movement within the limits of pain is usually suitable. You will receive specific guidance after the examination.
Will the pain go away by itself?
In many people the problems gradually fade, in some they last for months. Early treatment can ease the course.
How many treatments do I need?
It depends on the type and duration of the problems; many patients feel relief after the first visits, while long-standing problems require a longer programme.
Contact us
Get in touch with any questions or to book an appointment.
Please bring one large towel with you to your appointment.
Please confirm your appointment by phone or WhatsApp one hour beforehand, or two hours beforehand if you are travelling a long way. This way you avoid a wasted trip if an appointment has to be rescheduled at short notice.