6 Common Types of Neck, Head, and Back Injuries and Their Symptoms

1. Common Types of Neck Injuries: Whiplash

One of the most common types of neck injuries is whiplash. The reason that it is so common is that whiplash can occur any time your head is moved quickly or violently, in any direction.

Car accidents cause a lot of whiplash cases because victims’ bodies are suddenly pushed or pulled in a new direction. Other common causes of whiplash include falls or blows to the head caused by something falling.

The symptoms of whiplash can be a bit difficult to discern from other types of neck injuries. They include neck pain or stiffness, loss of range of motion in your neck, and tenderness or pain in your shoulders, arms, or upper back.

2. Common Types of Neck Injuries: Repetitive Strain

Another neck injury that’s particularly common in a workplace-setting is repetitive strain. Any kind of motion that you do over and over again, day after day, can cause this injury.

This includes repetitive motions while working at a computer, in a factory setting, or a variety of other types of workplaces.

Like whiplash, symptoms of repetitive strain include pain and stiffness in your neck and a loss of range of motion. You may also experience pain in your shoulders and back if muscles in those areas are used during your repetitive motion.

3. Common Types of Head Injuries: Concussion

Concussions are the most common type of head injury. Unfortunately, a concussion can sometimes be tough to spot, because it’s symptoms mirror that of normal headaches or fatigue.

If you’ve had a head injury, such as hitting it on something or falling and bumping it, and you also have a pounding headache, are sensitive to light, or experience dizziness or confusion, you may have a concussion.

4. Common Types of Head Injuries: Scalp Wounds

The second most common type of head injury is a scalp wound.

The symptoms of this injury are far easier to spot; there may be blood or a lesion where the injury has occurred. Because of the sensitive nature of the head, you should have all scalp wounds checked by a doctor, regardless of severity.

5. Common Types of Back Injuries: Sprains

Similar to the neck, your back may strain easily, either as a result of trauma or repetitive motion.

Symptoms of a back strain include a sore back, difficulty standing or moving, and even spasms in your back muscles.

6. Common Types of Back Injuries: Herniated Disc

Another, even more, serious type of back injury is a herniated disc. This occurs when a disc begins to leak, irritating a nearby nerve.

A herniated disc can cause severe, shooting pain. It may also cause shooting pains in your arms and/or legs.

Dealing with Common Work-Related Injuries

Dealing with the most common types of neck, back, and head injuries can be painful and time-consuming.

To speed your recovery and make sure you get the care you need, call (888) 590-4030 to find the best workers’ comp doctor near you.