Indiana Social Security Disability Attorneys for Neck Injuries

Neck injuries can result from a variety of different causes. Whether it is from a traumatic event such as a car accident or a genetic predisposition, a neck injury can be debilitating and cause you to be unable to work.

There are rules and restrictions as to what kind of neck injuries qualify you for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits. Do you have a neck injury that prevents you from working? The Indiana Social Security Disability attorneys of Hankey Marks & Crider are familiar with all of the guidelines that the Social Security Administration (SSA) has laid out, and we can help you with your case. Call us at (317) 634-8565 today for a free consultation.

Why You Need a Lawyer

The SSA makes it extremely difficult for people to apply for and receive benefits. Their regulations are long and complex, and their applications are confusing. Having an attorney familiar with the SSA’s documentation and procedures can help you make sense of their regulations and make sure your application is properly completed. Applications with even one tiny mistake can be rejected by the SSA.

Why Choose Us?

Our attorneys are passionate about helping you get the support you are entitled to. The SSA is not built to help those who apply. Let our attorneys deal with the SSA, so you don’t have to.

We will thoroughly review your case and help you navigate the complex rules surrounding Social Security Disability benefits.

What Is a Neck Injury?

You don’t realize how much you use your neck until it is suddenly too sore to move. A neck injury can make even the most simple tasks suddenly seem difficult. Neck injuries can result from strains or sprains, disc injuries or dislocations, inherited diseases, whiplash, or other trauma.

Common symptoms of neck injuries include:

  • Not being able to turn your neck
  • Headaches
  • Neck stiffness
  • Neck pain
  • Muscle spasms
  • Muscle tightness
  • Weakness in other parts of the body

Causes of Neck Injuries

Neck injuries can result from a variety of different sources. Some causes include:

  • Muscle strains. Torn muscles or tendons can result in a strain. This can be a result of physical activity or even a car accident.
  • Stiff muscles or tendons. If your neck is kept in the same position for too long, stiff muscles or tendons can result. This may happen when a person sleeps in an uncomfortable or unusual position all night.
  • Herniated disc. This condition occurs when the soft interior of a spinal disc is pushed through a break in the exterior casing of the spinal disc. This extrusion can cause suppression or irritation of nearby nerves in the neck.
  • Pinched nerve. When a nerve becomes irritated or suppressed by the surrounding bone, tissues, or tendons, it is considered “pinched.” This can cause neck pain or numbness and tingling in the arm and hands.
  • Broken neck. Also known as a fractured cervical spine, a broken neck is a serious injury with significant consequences to the spinal cord. Paralysis or death may result.
  • Cervical disc disease. Discs degenerate as a person ages. This degeneration is called cervical disc disease, and it may occur fairly early in life, depending on genetics, obesity, or whether a person smokes.

Treatment of Neck Injuries

The treatment of neck injuries depends on the severity of the injury. Some common treatments for neck injuries include:

  • Traction. Traction works by gently extending the neck and providing temporary relief of pressure from the cervical discs. The use of this technique can improve motion.
  • Physical therapy. Therapy can strengthen the neck and provide pain relief. The goal of physical therapy is to return the neck to normal functioning. This can be useful when you have chronic neck pain or are recovering from an injury or surgery.
  • Muscle relaxants. Medications can be used in conjunction with other types of treatments. Muscle relaxants help reduce muscle spasms and improve the movement of the neck by relaxing the neck muscles.
  • Acupuncture. This treatment originates in China and has been used there for thousands of years. Acupuncture involves placing needles in specific areas of the body to help provide pain relief.
  • Chiropractic treatment. This involves the manipulation of the spine to help treat neck pain. This treatment can be useful after a neck injury or if you have a degenerative neck disease.
  • TENS. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation can help reduce neck pain and improve movement. It involves the use of low voltage electrical currents that are applied through electrodes placed on the surface of your skin.
  • Corticosteroid injections. A type of steroid, corticosteroids can help alleviate pain by reducing the inflammation of nerves.
  • Pain medication. Medication can be prescribed to help alleviate pain in conjunction with other treatment methods or if other treatments prove to be unhelpful.
  • Ice or heat therapy. Swelling and pain in the neck can be reduced by applying ice to the area. Heat can help increase blood flow and relax muscles.
  • Neck collar. Otherwise known as a cervical collar, this treatment helps support your head and spinal cord. A neck collar will limit the movement of your neck and head.
  • Surgery. Surgery can be performed to alleviate disc pressure, stabilize the cervical spine, or decompress the spinal cord. One common surgery for neck injuries is a discectomy, in which a disc is removed from the spinal column. A spinal fusion will often be performed in conjunction with a discectomy to stabilize the spine.

Contact Our Experienced Social Security Disability Attorneys Today

If you have a neck injury and are unable to work, don’t suffer by yourself any longer. You may be entitled to Social Security Disability benefits. Our compassionate attorneys are standing by, ready to help you obtain compensation if you cannot work. Contact our experienced attorneys today at (317) 634-8565 for a free consultation about your injury and about the next steps forward to file or appeal a Social Security Disability claim.