What Are the Different Types of Back Injuries Resulting from Car Accidents?

The frequency of automobile accidents is increasing with every passing day. What’s worse is that despite major advancements in automobile technology car accidents still cause life-changing, as well as life-threatening injuries to victims. The list of victims can include passengers of the car responsible for the accident, passengers of other cars, pedestrians, and more.

If you or any of your loved ones gets injured due to a car accident, your first duty would be getting the required treatment as soon as possible. Next, you’ll have to ask those you trust who is the best accident attorney near me. Only the combination of proper legal assistance and medical treatment can bail you out of such catastrophic situations.

One of the most common health hazards resulting from car accidents are back injuries. These injuries can be of various kinds. Some are mild, some are moderate, and some are severe. The severe back injuries can even leave a victim disabled for the rest of their life. Read on to know about the most common back injuries car accident victims suffer from.

The spine has three different sections, the neck or cervical vertebrae, the upper back or thoracic vertebrae, and the lower back or lumbar vertebrae. Each of these sections is surrounded by nerves, discs, ligaments, tendons, and muscles.

A car accident can injure any of the above-mentioned components of the vertebra. The intensity of the resulting pain tends to vary depending on the severity of the injury.

Injuries to the Thoracic Spine

These are the most serious back injuries one may incur due to an auto accident. The upper back or thoracic spine has a direct connection with the chest and ribs. Fractures or sprains in the region can damage nerves permanently. These injuries usually occur when the accident results from speeding.

Injuries to the Lumbar Spine

The lumbar spine contains five of the biggest vertebrae we have. Additionally, it also contains some of the strongest muscles the human spine has. These muscles are responsible for providing us with the stability needed to remain physically active. Thus, when someone develops a lumbar spine injury following a car accident, the situation can be extremely painful and discomforting for the person.

Lumbar spine injuries caused by car accidents can include a sprain to the ligaments or damage to the muscles, tendons, and ligaments.

Herniated Discs

The discs surrounding the spinal cord work as the cushions that protect the spine from injuries. The displacement of these discs causes a condition called herniated discs. It’s one of the most common back injuries caused by auto accidents.

Final Words

When you visit a doctor for treatment, you’ll first need to undergo a few imaging tests such as CT scans or MRI. Those tests will reveal the severity of the injury. Depending on the findings, the doctor will decide whether you’ll need to undergo surgery or instead be prescribed pharmaceuticals. A qualified accident attorney will be able to help you receive enough money to pay for such tests, treatments, along with other expenses that occur due to an accident.