Back Injuries From Car Accidents
A back injury is something you want to avoid. The back and spine are made up of an intricate network of bones, muscles, joints, ligaments, tendons, and nerves that work together to support movement and protect the body. Damage to any part of this system can lead to significant pain, reduced mobility, weakness, and long-term disability.
Back injuries are common after car accidents because the force of a crash places tremendous stress on the spine and surrounding tissues. Even seemingly minor crashes can cause strains, herniated discs, nerve damage, or other spinal injuries. Anyone involved in a car accident should seek medical attention right away. Without proper treatment, some injuries can worsen over time and lead to chronic pain and ongoing complications.
Here is a look at the most common back injuries caused by car accidents.
Whiplash
Whiplash is one of the most common injuries associated with car accidents. It occurs when the head and neck are suddenly forced backward and forward during impact, stretching or tearing muscles, ligaments, and tendons in the neck. Although whiplash primarily affects the cervical spine, it can also contribute to upper and lower back pain. Symptoms may include stiffness, headaches, limited range of motion, and muscle spasms. Because whiplash injuries are sometimes underestimated, delayed treatment can increase the risk of chronic neck and back problems.
Herniated Discs
The impact of a crash can place tremendous pressure on the spine, causing spinal discs to bulge, crack, or rupture. A herniated disc occurs when the soft inner portion of a disc pushes outward and irritates nearby nerves. In the lower back, this may cause sciatica, numbness, tingling, weakness, and pain radiating down the leg and foot. In the neck, nerve compression can lead to shoulder pain, arm weakness, and tingling in the hands or fingers.
Spinal Fractures
Serious collisions can fracture the vertebrae in the spine. One of the most common accident-related spinal fractures is a compression fracture, which occurs when extreme pressure causes cracks in the spinal bones. More severe fractures may damage surrounding nerves or the spinal cord itself. Symptoms can include severe pain, reduced mobility, numbness, or loss of function.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries are among the most severe injuries that can result from a car accident. The spinal cord may become bruised, compressed, torn, or otherwise damaged during a high-impact collision. These injuries can lead to permanent nerve damage, loss of sensation, or paralysis. Emergency medical care is critical. If a spinal cord injury is suspected after a crash, it is important to avoid unnecessary movement until trained medical professionals can safely transport the injured person.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
A car accident is no minor event. Even a seemingly minor crash can result in injuries to the back and neck, which can be debilitating and very painful.
If someone else’s negligence caused you to suffer injuries, get the help you need from a Houston car accident attorney from The West Law Office, PLLC. We can gather evidence and determine liability. Fill out the online form or call (281) 347-3247 to schedule a consultation.
Source:
integrityspineortho.com/post/back-injuries-caused-by-car-accidents/
