Back Injury In Auto Accidents

As anyone who has ever dealt with a back injury knows, even a minor injury can be a major disruption to everyday life. Unfortunately, back injuries are one of the most common car accident injuries, and in many cases, they carry severe consequences that can last for months, years or even a lifetime. That’s why it is important to speak with your doctors and a personal injury lawyer to understand your options for physical and financial recovery after a serious accident.

Spinal Cord Injuries

A back injury can take many forms, and can vary in severity depending on the nature of the accident. One of the most severe types of injury occurs when the spinal cord itself is damaged in a motor vehicle accident. An injury that damages the spinal cord disrupts the brain’s ability to communicate with the body, and can cause paralysis and numbness in part or all of the body.

Symptoms usually occur in the parts of the body that are lower than the point of injury on the spinal cord. This means that an injury involving the lower spine will most likely affect the legs only, while a neck injury or upper back injury involving the spinal cord can cause paralysis and numbness in the arms as well as the legs.

Disc Injuries

Another common injury among car accident victims is called a slipped disc. This type of back injury is also known as a herniated disc or ruptured disc. The spinal discs are spongy cushions that separate the bones of the spine and protect them from one another. They also help protect the spinal cord and make the back flexible.
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A disc may become broken or deformed as a result of a car accident. Damaged discs lose their ability to protect the bones and nerves of the spine, leading to pain, numbness or tingling in any part of the body to which an affected nerve travels.

Disc injuries to the lower back are often associated with a condition called sciatica, which can cause severe and debilitating pain, tingling or numbness in either leg.

Compression Fractures

Compression fractures are another type of injury that can result from a car accident, particularly among older adults. A compression fracture occurs when tiny cracks appear in the vertebrae, which can eventually cause the bone itself to lose its shape or collapse.

A compression fracture can cause permanent changes to the shape and structure of the spine. As a result, this type of back injury can lead to posture changes as well as pain and breathing difficulties.