A 17-year-old who became seriously injured in a car accident recently spoke out about her injuries. She survived the car accident but suffered two broken vertebrae in her neck and one vertebra in her back. She also broke her collarbone. Tragically, her boyfriend died in the car accident. Back injuries are among the most common types of injuries in car accidents. The force exerted on the back from a car accident can cause broken vertebrae, damaged tissue, and whiplash. We will discuss five of the most common types of back injuries that result from car accidents below.
Herniated Discs
Our spinal cords consist of vertebrae cushioned by discs. The force of a car accident can cause our discs to shift, compressing nerves within the spinal cord and resulting in numbness and pain. These injuries are known as herniated disc injuries and can encompass a slipped, bulging, or ruptured disc. While most doctors treat herniated disc injuries with non-invasive and conservative methods, they can still cause victims a tremendous amount of pain. Herniated discs can make it challenging to engage in activities. Some patients with herniated discs find it hard to sit at work in a chair and may need extensive rehabilitative care.
Whiplash
Whiplash is another common car accident injury. When a person’s neck snaps forward and backward quickly in a car accident, the muscles, tissue, and ligaments in the neck can become damaged. Whiplash is prevalent in rear-end collisions when the head and neck are propelled forward while the body stays still. Whiplash injuries can even happen in mild fender bender accidents. Patients who have been diagnosed with whiplash often need physical therapy and chiropractic care. Whiplash symptoms can go away within a few weeks, but they can also last for a long time in some cases.
Spondylolisthesis
The force of a car accident can cause a stress fracture that forces spinal vertebrae to move out of place, creating spondylolisthesis. This medical condition causes the nerves and spinal canal to become compressed, resulting in weakness, pain, numbness, and difficulty walking. Sometimes surgery is required to treat spondylolisthesis, as well as physical therapy and chiropractic care.
Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis can occur when a person experiences vertebral height degeneration. While car accidents do not technically cause spinal stenosis, a car accident can cause someone who already has asymptomatic spinal stenosis symptoms to feel these symptoms more intensely, years before they would have naturally felt them.
Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis
Anytime the spinal cord becomes damaged, there is a possibility that the victim will become wholly or partially paralyzed. When the spinal cord becomes cut, bruised, or suffered in a car accident, permanent paralysis can occur, requiring significant medical care.
Contact a New York Personal Injury Lawyer Today
If you experience a back injury in a newer car accident, Pulvers Thompson is here to help. Contact our experienced personal injury lawyers today to schedule your free initial consultation.
