Every day across the country, people find themselves a victim of a car accident. Perhaps another driver fell asleep at the wheel, drove drunk, or failed to stop at a red light. The reasons are endless.
No matter the cause, one of the most common complaints after a crash are back injuries. They can occur whether or not the accident was minor or severe, and can be felt immediately or days later. They include:
Herniated Discs
Discs are small, spongy cushions that are responsible for separating the vertebrae and protecting the spine. Herniated discs are also known as slipped or ruptured discs and can occur anywhere in the spine. Symptoms may include numbness or pain in the back or legs.
Sprains and Strains
The back consists of a series of muscles and ligaments that keep the bones of the spinal column in place. When a ligament becomes torn or stretched, this results in a sprain, and physicians diagnose a strain when a muscle or tendon is stretched or torn. There are several symptoms such as back and leg stiffness.
Compression Fractures
These are tiny cracks in the spine’s bones that can cause the vertebrae to collapse and deform over time. Compression fractures typically occur in the middle part of the spine, and symptoms include trouble breathing and posture changes.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries happen to the nerves or to the bones and tissues that surround them. They can range from bruising to permanent damage, and those affected are at risk for secondary medical issues such as spinal fluid leaks, blood clots, or pneumonia.
Thoracic Spine Injuries
Thoracic spine injuries are usually the most serious of the different types of back injuries because the thoracic spine connects to the chest region and ribs. Symptoms include pain, numbness, or bladder/bowel dysfunction.
If you sustained a back injury in a motor vehicle accident because of another driver’s negligence, please contact us.