Car accidents can lead to a variety of serious injuries, and one of the most common areas affected is the back. The impact of a crash can subject the spine to tremendous forces, resulting in a trip to the emergency room, extended recovery times, and medical bills. Understanding the types of back injuries that can occur in car accidents is important for people seeking medical attention and legal recourse.
These are the most common symptoms of a back injury:
- Being unable to move your toes or fingers
- Breathing problems
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Inability to control the bladder or bowels
- Loss of balance
- Numbness, tingling, or burning in any part of the body
- Pain in the back, neck, or head
- Weakness in the arms or legs
The symptoms can appear immediately or several days after the accident. That is why it is important to have a timely medical evaluation. If you do not go to an ER, follow up with your physician as soon as possible.
Typical back injuries from car accidents include sprains, strains, fractures, and herniated discs. People with pre-existing conditions like arthritis often find that the accident makes those worse.
Back Sprains and Strains
These might not require surgical intervention, but they can be quite painful. These injuries impact ligaments or soft tissue.
Facet Joint Injuries
These joints are located between spine bones, with nerve roots connecting to the body’s various joints. They help the body twist or bend in different directions. They can cause significant nerve pain when damaged.
Fractures
Back fractures occur when one or more vertebrae break or are damaged. Examples include compression fractures, burst fractures, and flexion fractures. A fracture-dislocation is when one of those injuries is combined with vertebrae movement or dislocation.
Herniated Disks
Disks can shift and compress nerves in the back during car accidents. When that happens, the jelly-like part inside the disk pushes through the outer ring. These are also called bulging, ruptured, or slipped disks. Patients may experience discogenic pain or sharp, shooting pains in the back and legs.
Spondylolisthesis
This back injury happens when a stress fracture displaces a vertebra. Then, when the vertebrae move, it compresses the nerves and spinal canal.
Can Back Injuries From Car Accidents Lead to Degenerative Spinal Disorders?
Yes, a traumatic back injury can cause long-term problems, even after it is treated. Examples include spinal osteoarthritis, degenerative scoliosis, bone spurs, and sciatica. It could even exacerbate an existing health issue.
Contact an Alexandria Car Accident Lawyer at the Law Offices of Duane O. King for a Free Consultation About a Back Injury
If you have a back injury from a car accident, turn to a skilled Alexandria car accident lawyer at the Law Offices of Duane O. King. For a free consultation, call us at 202-331-1963 or complete our online form. Located in Washington, D.C., Alexandria, and Falls Church, Virginia, we serve clients in Prince George’s County, including Laurel, Beltsville, Adelphi, College Park, Greenbelt, Mitchellville, Woodmore, Greater Upper Marlboro, Springdale, Largo, Bowie, Capitol Heights, District Heights, Forestville, Suitland, Seat Pleasant, Clinton, Oxon Hill, Temple Hills, and Fort Washington.
Google Screened