Car accidents may happen in a flash, and everything may seem strange at first. Surreal experiences may, unfortunately, become a major—and unfortunate—part of reality as a consequence of car accidents. You may be eligible for compensation if your back suffers following a car accident.
BACK PAIN CAUSED BY CAR ACCIDENTS
In the United States, it is estimated that 1.2 million cases of Whiplash occur each year. Every year, hospitals in the United States treat 869,000 instances of cervical spine injuries. Why there are so many incidences of back injury remains a mystery?
The amount of stress applied on the spine after a major collision causes back discomfort from an car accident. Because there is little space in a driver’s seat, the force is localized to a smaller region, instantly halting the motion. The force’s quickness causes strain on the back and neck.
HOW LONG CAN YOU HAVE BACK PAIN AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT?
Back pain after a car accident might be immediate, but it is also possible to have prolonged back pain following an injury. The duration of pain might range from a week to a lifetime.
BACK INJURIES AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT
Back injury is a broad word that may refer to anything from pinched nerves to paralysis. Back discomfort following a high-energy injury, such as a car accident, may manifest in various ways, with serious consequences along the spine.
Only the top 24 vertebrae are moveable in the spine, which is made up of 33 vertebrae. There are five primary spinal zones that all vertebrae belong to:
Cervical: the joints that enable us to nod yes or shake our heads are located in the neck area. Thoracic: the rib cage is held in place by the mid-back area to safeguard our lungs and heart. Lumbar: the lower back is made up of bigger vertebrae that absorb stress.
Sacrum: this bone joins our spine to our hip bones (called iliac bones)
Coccyx region: Muscles and ligaments are attached to the pelvic floor via the fused bones at
the base of our spine. Our tailbone is the common name for the coccyx.
We’ll go through the many sorts of back injuries that may occur in a collision, as well as what to do if you have back discomfort after a car accident.
ACCIDENT IN A CAR ACUTE INJURIES TO THE SPINE
Sudden or acute injuries are the most common injuries sustained in car accidents. Muscles and ligaments that support the spine are strained or torn, resulting in injuries.
INJURIES AND THEIR TYPES
Whiplash is a typical occurrence– and even cause– of back injuries after an car collision. However, numerous injuries to the back might occur as a result of an car collision.
Therefore, we strongly advise you to contact a doctor following your injury to get an accurate diagnosis.
DOWN THE SPINE WHIPLASH
DIAGNOSIS
When the ligaments, muscles, and tendons farther down the spine are abruptly stretched beyond what they’re accustomed to or even capable of, Whiplash may occur. After an car accident, lower back whiplash is typical.
SYMPTOMS
Numbness, muscular spasms, cramping, and tingling are some of the symptoms you may experience.
Pain severity ranges from bearable to excruciating.
Heat and ice treatment, physical therapy, and stretching are all good ways to speed up recovery.
TIMELINE FOR RECOVERY
Whiplash is one of the most prevalent injuries and causes of neck and back pain in those who have been in car accidents, and it may range from minor to severe.
“How long do muscular spasms remain after a car accident?” we’re often asked. Muscle spasms may persist for up to two weeks, but we recommend seeing a doctor if they linger longer than that. For example, whiplash is a common injury that lasts a few weeks in most instances, but it may potentially last months or even years.
Complications that might occur Whiplash injures the lower back as well as the middle and upper back. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) such as diffuse axonal damage, cognitive problems, and persistent discomfort may all be caused by Whiplash. Therefore, after a car accident, it’s critical to consult a doctor.
Spinal Cord
The spinal cord is a column of nerve tissue that runs between your vertebrae and surrounds them. Your central nervous system is made up of your brain and spinal cord (CNS). It serves as your body’s command center. The spinal cord is the conduit via which your brain transmits information to the rest of your body. Car accidents account for more than a third of all spinal cord injuries each year.
DIAGNOSIS
Damage to any section of the spinal cord or nerves at the base of the spine is a spinal cord injury. Diagnoses may be made using X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs.
SYMPTOMS
A full or partial spinal cord damage is possible. Complete injury: all sensory and motor function below the damage is lost.
Partial damage: some motor and/or sensory function remains below the level of the injury.
If both the arms and legs are afflicted, this is known as quadriplegia-paralysis, and if both legs are affected, it is known as paraplegia-paralysis. Loss of bladder/bowel control, spasms, changes in sexual function, trouble breathing, and excruciating pain are among the other symptoms.
SERIOUSNESS
Because of the long-term impact on the body, spinal cord injuries are among the most serious injuries that may result from a car accident.
RECOVERY ADVICE
Immediate rehabilitation and vigorous physical treatment are required. “Are back injuries permanent?” may be a question that arises after a spinal cord injury.
The damage may improve within six months, but if the symptoms persist after a year, the harm is likely to be permanent. Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for spinal cord damage.
Complications
An upper neck spinal cord injury might cause respiratory problems. To help with normal breathing, a ventilator or breathing tube may be required.
PAIN IN THE BACK THAT IS DISCOGENIC
Discogenic back pain occurs when a damaged disc fails to function properly. The discs that cushion between the vertebrae are the source of the discomfort. An MRI or CT scan may reveal diagnoses.
SYMPTOMS
Severe lower back pain, elevated spinal pressure
SEVERITY
If numbness spreads to the legs, walking may become progressively difficult.
TIPS FOR RECOVERY
Getting a back brace after a car accident may be beneficial. Surgery may be indicated in cases of severe persistent pain.
RECOVERY DURATION
The average recovery time is 1 to 12 weeks, although recovery time may be greater if surgery is required.
COMPLICATIONS
Studies reveal that 60 percent to 80 percent of Lower back pain lasts for the rest of one’s life. This discomfort is often persistent or has the potential to become so.
SPRAINS OF LUMBAR
Ligaments in the lumbar area get overstretched or torn, causing pain. Muscle strains and lumbar sprains are practically similar.
Inflammation, muscular spasms, cramps, and contractions are some of the symptoms. Back tears are very painful. The most severe discomfort occurs within the first several days.
Exercise in moderation, cold and heat packs and anti-inflammatory medications may provide all aid with pain relief.
TIMELINE FOR RECOVERY
Typically, lumbar sprains recover in four to six weeks, although they might take months to heal.
COMPLICATIONS MIGHT ARISE
Lumbar sprains are more likely in stiff muscles, such as those observed tensing up following a car crash. The lower back is subjected to a great deal of stress. If recovery does not occur, there may be further issues or symptoms that last longer.
Lower back pain accounts for around 65 percent of all spine injuries sustained in car accidents. Accidents involving the lumbar area may have a big influence on your health and everyday life, particularly if your employer needs you to move moderate to large goods.
INJURIES TO THE FACET JOINT
Facet joints link every bone in the spine and are found on the back of each vertebra. Because the lumbar area is subjected to a lot of stress, the facet joints that hold it all together may develop problems like:
Spinal arthritis Spinal osteoarthritis
Overexertion: seen often in car accidents when the joint is twisted too far out of position. Strain, inflammation, weakness, extreme pain and numbness are some of the symptoms.
The severity of the condition is determined by which part of the spine is damaged. Discomfort and limited range of motion are the most common symptoms of lumbar facet joint injuries.
However, middle back pain following a car collision may also occur.
RECUPERATION ADVICE
Strengthening exercises, physical therapy, and steroid injections
RECOVERY DURATION
Facet joint injuries might be acute at first, but they can progress to a chronic condition with time.
Facet joint injuries can worsen over time, despite the many various kinds of therapy available.
DEGENERATIVE SPINALDISORDERS
Degenerative spine disorders may manifest themselves in a variety of ways. The loss of normal structure and function in the spine occurs over time in certain conditions. Slipped or ruptured discs, spinal stenosis, and osteoarthritis are among the problems. An X-ray of the spine may be used to begin the diagnosis, followed by an MRI or CT scan.
SYMPTOMS
Limited range of motion, severe or persistent pain, sensory loss, bladder/bowel problems, and sexual dysfunction are common symptoms.
SEVERITY
The severity of the condition varies, but in more extreme situations, surgery may be required.
RECUPERATION ADVICE
Each illness requires particular treatment. Exercise and physical therapy, in general, are beneficial.
TIMELINE FOR RECOVERY
Conditions may be chronic because it is a degenerative illness. However, there are things you can do to avoid discomfort and strengthen your back.
Complications that might occur It’s vital to remember that degenerative spine conditions and car accidents are linked. If you already have a degenerative spinal disease and are involved in a car accident, your injury and pain level may worsen, and additional issues may occur
due to the stress applied to your back.
An car collision may speed up the pace and severity of spinal diseases if you have a degenerative spinal condition that you were unaware of or at risk of developing due to uncontrolled variables such as age.
DISC THAT HAS BEEN HERNIATED
Disks between vertebrae operate as cushions between each bone in the spine, according to the diagnosis. As a result, they provide the back with some flexibility. When a disc slides out of position, it is called a herniated disc. Disk rapture, which occurs when a disc bursts open, is another option.
Pain, numbness, or weakness are some of the symptoms. In addition, a disc herniation may damage nearby nerves, resulting in weakening muscles and/or acute pain.
Its location in the spine determines the severity of a herniated disc. So it’s possible that you won’t even notice any symptoms. Lower back and upper back pain following an car accident, on the other hand, may frequently be excruciating.
Recuperation advice: Stretching, icing, and plenty of rest are all good ideas. Medication, such as muscle relaxants or steroids, may sometimes aid with therapy.
Timeline for recovery
The healing period ranges from four to six weeks, depending on the severity of any pre-existing problems. The schedule will be extended if surgery is required.
Complications that might arise: Disk herniation, albeit uncommon, may cause the spinal canal to collapse to the bottom of your spine. This may result in long-term paralysis.
SPINAL STENOSIS
Diagnosis
Spinal stenosis is a condition in which the gaps inside your spine constrict and get narrower over time. Nerves in the surrounding regions may be compressed as a result of the shrinkage. Spinal stenosis may affect the spine’s cervical (neck) or lumbar (lower back) areas. Spinal stenosis may be detected via X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans.
Symptoms include numbness, muscular weakness, tingling, balance issues, cramps, and discomfort.
The location of the stenosis determines the severity of the stenosis on the spine. The symptoms of spinal stenosis may vary from slight discomfort to complete paralysis.
Treatment options for stenosis include prescription medication, physical therapy, steroid injections, and if required, surgery. In addition, rest and strengthening your muscles to enhance
your balance can aid your recovery.
Timeline for recovery
Because this is a degenerative condition, rehabilitation takes the form of pain relief. If your pain intensifies, see your doctor determine the best course of action.
Complications that might arise: Although car crashes may not cause spinal stenosis, they can exacerbate existing spinal stenosis, causing excruciating pain and suffering. This may result in more serious problems, such as incontinence or paralysis.
What to Do If Someone Is Injured in a Car Accident and Has Back Pain
It’s critical not to transfer the individual who has been hurt. It is possible that moving them will result in lifelong paralysis.
Dial 9-1-1.
To establish stability and prevent movement, arrange towels behind the person’s neck or hold the head in place.
Attorneys for Spinal Injuries should be contacted.
Your mental, emotional, physical, social, and financial well-being may all be impacted by a spinal injury. The spine is an important part of our everyday lives, and injuries to it may cause long-term harm. Warrior Car Accident Attorneys understands the extent of the agony and suffering you may be going through due to a car accident spinal injury.
If you or a loved one has suffered a back injury due to a car accident, contact the experienced lawyers at Warrior. Every step of the way, we’ll be there to assist you.
