Victims often report back injuries following a car accident. The back absorbs most of the impact of a crash, so back injuries are common after motor vehicle accidents. Back injuries can range from mild strains and sprains to more severe injuries such as spinal fractures, herniated discs, or spinal cord injuries.
Back injuries could sometimes be serious and require medical treatment, such as physical therapy or surgery. If you were in a car accident and are experiencing back pain, it is essential not to ignore the injury. See a doctor as soon as possible to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment.
Common Back Injuries from a Car Accident
Some common back injuries that can result from car accidents include:
- Sprains and strains – Sprains and strains are injuries to the muscles and ligaments in the back. The violent movement of the body can cause them during a car accident.
- Herniated discs – A herniated disc occurs when the soft, gel-like center of a spinal disc pushes out through a tear in the outer layer of the disc. It can cause pain, numbness, and weakness in the back, arms, and legs.
- Slipped vertebrae – A slipped vertebra, also known as spondylolisthesis, is a condition in which one vertebra in the spine slips out of place and moves forward or backward. This can cause pain and discomfort, as well as problems with mobility.
- Fractured vertebrae – Breaks or cracks in the bones of the spine can cause severe pain and mobility problems.
- Thoracic spine injuries – The mid-back region of the spine is made up of twelve vertebrae, known as the thoracic spine. An injury to the bones, muscles, ligaments, or nerves in the thoracic spine can range from mild to severe, depending on the circumstances.
- Spinal cord injuries – Spinal cord injuries caused by car accidents can range in severity from minor injuries that heal over time to more severe injuries that could result in permanent paralysis. In many cases, the severity of a spinal cord injury is determined by the location of the injury along the spine and the damage to the spinal cord itself.
The Severity of Injuries: What to Know
Knowing how severe a back injury is can be difficult without a proper medical examination. Some common signs of more severe back injuries include:
- Severe pain
- Difficulty standing or walking
- Numbness or tingling in the arms or legs
- Weakness in the arms or legs
If you have any of these symptoms, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. Also, seek medical attention if you have a fever, difficulty urinating, or loss of bowel or bladder control since these could be signs of a more serious health problem. You should not ignore even seemingly minor injuries after a car crash. The best thing to do is to see a doctor right away. If someone else caused your crash and resulting injuries, the next step should be to contact an experienced car accident lawyer to discuss your rights and legal options.
How Parnall Law Can Help
Did you suffer a back injury in a collision in New Mexico? If so, you could be owed significant compensation if someone else’s carelessness was to blame. Since 1997, Parnall Law has represented car accident victims throughout Albuquerque and the greater Central New Mexico area. Our attorneys are ready to help you seek the full and fair compensation you’re entitled to. Contact us today for a free consultation.
