Whiplash in a traffic accident, a fall, sports injury, or any other traumatic incident can injure cervical vertebrae or surrounding muscles and tendons. Damage can be mild, such as muscle cramping. It can also be so severe that lifetime disability or even death occurs. When someone injures their neck, immediate medical attention is required. Don’t allow them to rise, turn their heads, or make any movement. Call 911 as soon as possible. Paramedics will come and put a special collar on the patient to restrain movement. The emergency team will then transport the victim to an emergency room. The injury can either take a few days rest and recuperation or months of hospitalization and physical therapy. Inappropriate treatment at the time of injury can make the difference between these two outcomes. Many people wonder why the Adam’s Apple, called the Throat Apple by the ancient Romans, is so much more prominent in the necks of men than in women. Like much of our anatomy, it’s a simple matter of angles. The prominence in men is at an average of 90 degrees. In women, it’s usually at about 120 degrees, making it harder to see, but it’s still present.

Humans depend on the neck remaining in good condition. When a strong force injures your neck, or if you develop inflammation or degeneration, you will experience pain and perhaps disability.

Younger people usually incur damage caused by an injury. Sports injuries, vehicle accidents, and other blunt-force trauma can cause permanent harm and disability.

Older persons usually have more cases of degenerative disk disability. A lifetime of wear and tear can cause sometimes excruciating, long-term problems. Other common diseases of the neck can produce pain and disability.