Rapid Medical Treatment for Neck Injury in Southern California

Our expert doctors at Dignity Health Southern California can promptly diagnose your neck injury symptoms. Neck injuries, including whiplash, can occur after car accidents, sports injuries, shallow water diving, physical assault, and falls. 

A neck injury can involve trauma to any of the following parts of the neck:

  • Vertebrae
  • Spinal discs or spinal cord
  • Nerves
  • Muscles, ligaments, or tendons
  • Esophagus, windpipe, or blood vessels

For severe trauma to the neck, dial 911 for immediate medical attention.

Diagnosing Symptoms of a Neck Injury at Dignity Health Southern California

Symptoms of a neck injury can appear immediately or they can develop later. It’s important to be aware of symptoms related to a traumatic injury to the neck, which include: 

  • Headache
  • Neck pain, or sore neck, which worsens with movement
  • Stiff neck, or the inability to move the neck through its full range of motion
  • Bleeding or dizziness
  • Tingling and numbness that spreads to the shoulders and arms
  • Sore throat
  • Sleep problems
  • Fatigue or weakness
  • Difficulty concentrating

Call 911 if the following symptoms occur after a neck injury: 

  • Brief or prolonged unconsciousness
  • Unresponsiveness
  • Paralysis
  • Severe headache or bleeding
  • Swelling or deformity
  • Loss of bowel or bladder control

First Aid Treatment for a Neck Injury

After calling 911, never move the injured person unless it’s absolutely necessary. Help the victim remain still and hold the head in the position that you found until medical help arrives. Never pick up a child, remove a helmet, or try to straighten the neck of a person with a neck injury. Remain monitoring the injured person’s breathing and pulse. If necessary, begin and continue CPR until medical help arrives. 

Emergency services at Dignity Health Southern California are prepared to care for a serious or nonlife-threatening neck injury in California.