What are Common Car Accident Back Injuries?
An injured back can stop you in your tracks. Your back is the foundation of the rest of your body. If it can’t function or it causes you pain, it can severely impact your ability to work, physically function, and if the injury is bad enough and life-altering, you may become depressed.
Orange County car accident lawyer Aaron Hicks understands that a car accident may turn your life into chaos, especially if it causes a severe back injury. Aaron Hicks can be part of the team that gets your life back together. Call our office at (949) 541-9944 or fill out our contact form today to schedule a free consultation so you can discuss your auto accident with Mr. Hicks.
What Back Injuries May I Get in a Car Crash?
Injuries and their severity vary depending on the force of the crash, the angle of the collision, whether you used seat belts, and if you had a back issue before the crash.
- Whiplash: This is one of the most frequently reported injuries after a car accident. It happens if your head is suddenly jerked forward and then backward, causing strain to the ligaments, muscles, and soft tissues of the neck and upper back. Symptoms include neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and shoulder pain. In severe cases, you might experience dizziness and even memory issues
- Herniated, Ruptured, or Slipped Disc: This injury happens when the soft inner spinal disc material pushes through the tougher exterior. Car accidents can compress the spine and cause a herniated disc. This condition can result in intense pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness in the buttocks, back, legs, or feet, depending on which disc is affected
- Spinal Fractures: High-speed car accidents causing high-impact collisions can lead to spinal fractures, which are cracks in vertebrae. These fractures vary in severity, from hairline fractures to more severe compression fractures. Symptoms of a spinal fracture include localized pain, tenderness, difficulty breathing, and potential loss of sensation or muscle function. In some cases, surgery might be required to stabilize the spine
- Sprains and Strains: Sprains occur when ligaments (tissues connecting bones) are stretched or torn. Strains involve the tearing or stretching of tendons or muscles. The sharp jolt of a car accident can easily lead to sprains or strains in the back. Symptoms include pain, swelling, muscle spasms, and limited range of motion
No back injury should be taken lightly. Get medical attention after the accident as soon as possible.
What are the Symptoms of Car Accident Back Injuries?
Recognizing the symptoms of back injuries early on is crucial for seeking prompt medical attention and initiating appropriate treatment. If you are in a car accident, be aware of these signs:
- Persistent Pain: Any lasting pain, especially in the back or neck, should not be ignored. Even mild discomfort can worsen over time and indicate an underlying injury
- Numbness and Tingling: If you experience numbness, tingling, or a pins-and-needles sensation in your back, arms, or legs, it might indicate nerve damage
- Limited Range of Motion: Difficulty moving your back, neck, or limbs as you normally would may be signs of a musculoskeletal injury
- Weakness: If you notice weakness in your muscles, particularly in your arms or legs, it could be a sign of nerve damage
- Changes in Sensation: Reduced sensitivity to touch or temperature warrant medical evaluation
No one knows your body better than you do. If there’s something wrong, don’t assume it will just go away. If you delay medical treatment, you risk worsening the injury.
What are Treatment Options for Back Injuries Caused by Car Accidents?
The appropriate treatment for car accident back injuries depends on the type and severity of the injury. Some common treatment approaches include:
- Rest and Pain Management: Rest is often recommended in the initial stages to allow the body to heal. Over-the-counter pain medications, may help manage pain and reduce inflammation
- Physical Therapy: Physical therapy may play a crucial role in recovering from your back injury. Therapists can design customized exercise programs to strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and enhance overall mobility
- Chiropractic Care: Chiropractic treatments focus on realigning the spine and improving joint function. Chiropractors use spinal manipulation and other techniques to alleviate pain and promote healing
- Injections: Injections of corticosteroids or other medications might be used to limit inflammation and provide temporary relief
- Surgery: Surgical intervention is usually used in emergency situations or when conservative treatments don’t yield results. Procedures like discectomy (removal of herniated disc material) or spinal fusion (joining vertebrae together) might be needed
- Alternative Therapies: Options like acupuncture, massage therapy, and yoga can complement traditional treatments by promoting relaxation, reducing pain, and improving overall well-being
After an accident injury, you need not accept whatever treatment is proposed to you. You can seek other opinions and do what’s right for you. But you must be reasonable about your approach because if you decide not to be treated, the insurance you seek compensation from may claim they need not pay for you extending your pain and disability due to your bad choices.
How May I Prevent or Reduce the Severity of a Car Accident-Related Back Injury?
While car accidents can be unpredictable, some actions may reduce the risk of back injuries. Always wear a seatbelt and ensure that your vehicle’s headrest is properly adjusted to minimize the impact of sudden jolts. You can also get medical attention as quickly as possible after the crash so you can be diagnosed and start treatment as soon as possible. Ignoring symptoms or putting off medical treatment can worsen your injury.
Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer in Costa Mesa
If an accident occurs and you suffer a back injury, call an experienced personal injury attorney at Hicks Law Firm so we can help you protect your rights to compensation and well-being. If you or a loved one suffer a serious injury due to negligence, call us at (949) 541-9944 today.
Aaron Hicks is a civil trial attorney and founder of Hicks Law Firm, based in Orange County with offices in San Diego and Tennessee. His practice includes representing plaintiffs in personal injury cases including motor vehicle accidents, premises liability, dog bites and wrongful death. Mr. Hicks is and AV Rated attorney, Super Lawyer and is currently on the Board of Directors of the Orange County Trial Lawyers Association where he serves as 1st Vice President.
