Neck injuries are fairly common in almost all workplaces. Whether you’re hit in a vehicle while working, sit at a computer desk all day or work on a factory line, your neck is one part of your body that is constantly dealing with strain.
Neck injuries can cause a number of serious symptoms. Some may include:
- Pain
- Headaches
- Stiffness
- Dizziness
- Tingling in the arms or shoulders
- A decreased ability to move your head
- Spasms
Sometimes, it’s easy to know that your injury was suffered at work. For example, if you’re driving to meet a client and are struck by another driver, then you know that the whiplash you’ve suffered is related to your car crash.
However, other times, it’s harder to know for sure. Repetitive-strain injuries or injuries from poor ergonomics build up over time, until that minor pain you’ve always dealt with becomes too much to bear.
If you have neck pain that you believe is caused by your job, you should talk to your employer about seeing a medical provider. If it’s not an emergency, you can ask for information on their preferred provider. If it is an emergency, call 911 and go to the hospital. Make sure you let the medical provider know that you think this is a work-related injury so they can complete any necessary paperwork.
If your injury can be tied to work, then workers’ compensation should cover your medical care, physical therapy and related expenses. Our site has more on workers’ compensation and how it can help you and your family as you heal.
