When Do You Need Neck Surgery After A Chicago Car Accident? | Staver
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When Do You Need Neck Surgery After A Chicago Car Accident?

Written by Jared Staver

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Jared Staver is a Personal Injury Lawyer based in Chicago, Illinois and has been practicing law for over 20 years.

Jared Staver

CATEGORY: Auto Accidents


When you suffer from a neck injury after a Chicago car accident, the pain is more than just an inconvenience. It can consume your life and deplete you of your energy. Neck injuries from car crashes are severe, with some requiring intensive surgery.

Know what to do after a Chicago car accident and when to seek out surgery as an option for treatment.

First Things First: See a Doctor

Before you contact an experienced Chicago neck and back injury attorney, seek immediate medical attention. You could be seriously injured even if you feel fine. Many injuries catch up with people once their post-accident adrenaline wears off. A doctor or other health care professional can evaluate you after your crash and ensure you are safe.

Additionally, doctors will provide the necessary documentation of your injuries. These files can be helpful evidence if you choose to file a claim and demand compensation. A medical professional’s input now can make all the difference later.

Neck Injuries in Chicago Car Crashes

You can sustain various types of injuries in a motor vehicle accident. Although neck injuries refer to the same part of the body, there is a wide range of damage and symptoms.

Common neck injuries after an accident include:

  • Whiplash
  • Neck sprain or strain
  • Spinal cord compression
  • Misaligned vertebrae
  • Slipped or herniated discs
  • Pinched nerves
  • Neck fracture
  • Lacerations
  • Joint inflammation
  • Muscle stiffness

If left untreated, many of these injuries can cause reduced mobility, paralysis, permanent damage, and more. If you experience any symptoms of a neck injury, make sure to tell your doctor or visit a Chicago ER or Urgent Care.

Common Treatments for Neck Injuries

Many treatment options for a neck injury after a motor vehicle accident are available. For more minor injuries, your doctor may advise you to rest for a few weeks. You might also seek chiropractic care for pain due to misalignment or stiff muscles. Treatment can be more intense if you suffer a severe injury like a broken neck.

Common types of treatments for neck injuries include:

  • Chiropractic care
  • Movement and stretching exercises
  • Pain medication
  • Massages
  • Ice and heat therapy
  • Physical therapy
  • Acupuncture
  • Surgery

Remember to consult a medical professional before treating a neck injury. You may worsen your condition if you attempt to treat it alone. A doctor can advise you on the next steps and monitor your treatment to help you heal safely and efficiently.

Types of Neck Surgeries After an Accident

Doctors often treat a neck injury with other methods before considering surgery. Surgery is typically reserved for severe trauma or injuries that don’t respond to non-surgical treatments. Surviving your car accident was a feat in and of itself. It can be frightening to hear you must also undergo an operation.

But no matter your concerns, know that your doctors, legal team, and loved ones are here to support you in any way possible. Learn more about a few different types of neck surgeries and what you can expect in each:

Neck Fusion Surgery

Neck fusion surgery, or cervical spinal fusion, can improve stability in your neck. The procedure works by joining two vertebrae together. When these adjacent bones are fused, it prevents them from moving individually and pressing on nearby ligaments, nerves, or muscles. This surgery may reduce or even eliminate symptoms caused by abnormal movement and increase overall neck strength.

Laminectomy

A laminectomy is a surgery that can relieve pain from spinal compression, herniated discs, and more. In this procedure, surgeons remove a portion or all of a bone to reduce pressure on nearby nerves.

Laser Repair

Laser repair surgery can treat herniated discs, pinched nerves, tissue damage, and more. During a laser repair, surgeons make small incisions and insert a thin probe under your skin. The device has a small camera to help guide doctors to the exact area causing your pain. Once they locate it, the probe uses a laser to emit heat and dissolve problematic tissues or nerves.

Disc Replacement

After a car accident, your neck injuries may require a disc replacement. Unlike a laminectomy, disc replacement surgery involves adding a disc rather than removing it. Surgeons will replace a damaged spinal disc with an artificial one to increase mobility and reduce pain.

How to Know if You Need Surgery

If you are wondering whether you need neck surgery, there are a few essential factors to keep in mind. Neck surgery may be right for you if:

  • You’ve tried treatment alternatives to surgery, but your pain has not subsided
  • You notice worsening symptoms that suggest serious injuries, like nerve damage or cognitive issues
  • You experience lasting pain from a compressed spine
  • Trusted doctors recommend it for your treatment

Surgery can make your recovery smoother and even prevent permanent disability. Talk to your doctor if your pain worsens or does not get better. If you’re wondering whether neck surgery is right for you, consult health care professionals and research the risks and benefits before you decide.

Compensation for Neck Surgery

If you are injured in a Chicago car accident, you are entitled to compensation for your damages. This includes payments to cover the cost of your surgeries. Make sure to record every medical bill and document to use as evidence in your case. Your attorney can collect and review evidence, determine how much you’re owed, and establish a plan to help get you fair compensation.

Chicago Neck Surgery FAQs

What if I Can’t Afford Surgery?

For many people, the idea of surgery conjures up fear of debt and financial strain. While surgery can be expensive, there are options to recover compensation for your car accident-related treatments—including surgeries you may need. You should focus on your recovery without financial worry weighing down on you.

Where are Neck Surgeons Near Me?

There are many highly-rated Chicago hospitals with experienced orthopedic specialists. To find a spine and neck surgeon near you, feel free to turn to Google, friends and family, or trusted doctors for suggestions. You owe it to yourself to make an informed decision on the right hospital for you.

Some of the top hospitals in Chicago that offer neck surgery include:

How Can a Lawyer Help?

After sustaining a neck injury during an accident, you’re likely in a lot of pain. Although a lawyer cannot treat your injuries, they can be a vital advocate during recovery. Legal guidance can help bring you closer to compensation, so you can pay off your medical bills and live comfortably after a car accident.

Call our Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Today

Hurt your neck in a wreck? Don’t wait any longer for help. Your doctor can help you with treatment, and an attorney can help you afford it. Call the dedicated Chicago car accident lawyers at Staver. Our team can help you handle legal matters and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve, just like we have for thousands of Chicago clients. You won’t owe us anything unless we win—that’s our guarantee.

Contact Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C. at (312) 736-0773, or fill out our online contact form today.

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(312) 236-2900
(312) 236-2900
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