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What To Do If You Have Back Pain From a Car Accident

back pain from a car accident

Experiencing back pain after a car accident can be one of the most difficult ordeals—physically, emotionally, and financially. Whether in an auto collision or your vehicle was hit by another driver, having back pain can be a huge burden and cause major disruptions to your daily routine.

Types of Back Injuries Caused by Motor Vehicle Accidents

Unfortunately, back pain is one of the most common types of injuries suffered from car accidents. But even if you're in pain, there are still steps you can take to reduce discomfort and get the proper medical care. This blog post will discuss what to do if you have back pain from a car accident.

Motor vehicle accidents can cause various back injuries, from minor sprains and strains to more severe spinal cord trauma and chronic pain. Whiplash is the most commonly reported injury in car accidents; this involves hyperextension and hyperflexion of the neck muscles, which can cause pain and stiffness.

Other common back injuries from car accidents include disc herniation, fractures to vertebrae, ligament damage, and muscle spasms. While some back pain may present shortly after the accident, other more severe injuries may take longer for symptoms to appear. So it's important to seek medical attention even if your pain is minor or nonexistent.

 

The Dangers of Internal Injuries

Whiplash is one of the most common types of injuries suffered in a car accident. It occurs when the head and neck are suddenly forced forward and backward, stretching and straining the muscles and ligaments in the neck area. Symptoms of whiplash may include pain, stiffness, decreased range of motion, headaches, fatigue, numbness or tingling in the arms, and dizziness.

Muscle Strains and Sprains

A muscle strain occurs when the muscle fibers are stretched or torn, and a sprain is an injury to a ligament. This connective tissue connects bones at joints. They are common injuries in car accidents due to the sudden force of impact; symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, tenderness, and limited range of motion.

Degenerative Disc Disease

Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a condition in which the intervertebral discs become weakened or worn down. Symptoms may include pain that radiates to the arms or legs, numbness and tingling, weakness, and limited range of motion. This can occur due to aging but can also be caused by trauma, such as car accidents.

Spinal Cord Injuries

In some cases, car accidents can cause traumatic spinal cord injuries. These can range from minor nerve damage to complete paralysis. Symptoms may include loss of sensation or movement in the affected area, pain and weakness, stiffness, bladder and bowel problems, and difficulty breathing.

Lumbar Spine Injury From Car Accident

Lumbar spine injuries are common in motor vehicle accidents. They can range from minor strains and sprains to more severe trauma, such as fractures or herniated discs. Symptoms may include lower back pain and stiffness, muscle spasms, limited range of motion, and numbness and tingling in the legs.

Thoracic Spine Injury Caused by a Car Accident

Car accidents can also cause thoracic spine injuries. These injuries involve the middle back and are often more serious than those associated with the lumbar spine. Symptoms may include localized pain, tenderness, stiffness, muscle spasms, numbness and tingling in the arms or legs, and limited range of motion.

 

Spinal Cord Injury After Car Accident

Spinal cord injuries resulting from a car accident can be some of the most traumatic and life-changing experiences for victims. Damage to the spinal cord, located inside the vertebrae and runs from the neck down to the lower back, can cause pain, weakness, paralysis, or even death in extreme cases.

A spinal cord injury may occur due to direct trauma from a crash or due to the forceful movement of the body during a collision. Victims need immediate medical attention after an auto accident; early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for reducing pain and restoring mobility.

 

Herniated Discs From Car Accident

Herniated discs in the lower back can be a common injury following a car accident. Disc herniation occurs when the cartilage between vertebrae is crushed or torn, causing the inner disc contents to bulge through the layers of cartilage.

Symptoms of a herniated disc may include pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in affected areas. If you experience these symptoms after a car accident, it's important to seek medical attention immediately to determine if you have a herniated disc and begin treatment accordingly.

 

Common Symptoms of a Back Injury 

After a car crash, back injuries may not be immediately evident. But if you experience any of the following symptoms - even mild ones - it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Remember to consider the potential severity of your injury; take proactive steps towards protecting yourself and get help as soon as possible.

Don't take any risks! Back injuries can cause permanent impairments, so it's important to remember the typical signs and symptoms to get fast medical help when necessary.

Symptoms That are Warning Signs of a Back Injury:

  • Pain can be mild, moderate, or severe.
  • Pain that radiates down the buttocks and legs.
  • Stiffness.
  • Numbness or tingling in the arms, hands, legs, or feet.
  • Difficulty standing or walking.
  • Muscle spasms.

 

What to Do if You Feel Back Pain after a Car Accident

Built with a diverse blend of nerves, bones, discs, muscles, and tendons - our backs are an intricate yet delicate system designed to support us in every avenue of life. Not only do they hold us up straight, but they also give insight through messages sent from the brain throughout the body.

Whether it's the spine, muscles, or tendons - any part of your back is at risk when subjected to traumatic, sudden forces such as those in a car accident. That being said, the consequences can be serious and long-lasting if preventive measures are not taken quickly. If you have been involved in an accident recently, seek medical help for evaluation and possible treatment immediately.

After consulting with a medical professional, speaking with an accomplished personal injury attorney is prudent. The complexities of back injury claims are often compounded by the fact that significant monetary damages may be involved, so expect fierce opposition from the other party's insurer.

The Muller Brazil law firm's dedicated back injury lawyers will fight tirelessly for you, ensuring you receive all of the legal recompense available.

 

Treatment for back injuries

Treatment for back injuries is largely dependent on the severity of the injury. Rest and physical therapy can help relieve pain and restore movement in mild cases. Surgery might be necessary for moderate to severe cases to repair damaged discs or vertebrae.

Common Treatments Include:

  • Diagnosis using an MRI, CT scans, or x-rays.

Short-Term Care May Include:

  • Resting for a few days after the accident.
  • Over-the-counter painkillers and anti-inflammatories.
  • Prescribed painkillers or muscle relaxants.
  • Physical therapy.
  • Corticosteroid injections.
  • Chiropractic care.  

Long-Term Care Which May Include:

  • Surgery may be required for spinal cord injuries, herniated discs, and fractures.
  • Physical, occupational, or speech therapy.
  • Support groups.

 

Compensation for a Back Injury Due to a Car Accident

You might be entitled to compensation if you were injured in a car accident. Compensation could come from an insurance company or a personal injury lawsuit and will depend on the injury severity and any lost wages resulting from it. It must be proven that the negligence of another person or party caused the injury to receive compensation. Speaking with a qualified car accident lawyer who can advise you on your legal rights and the best course of action is important.

 

Discuss Your Legal Options with a Personal Injury Attorney

The effects of a back injury can be life-changing, creating pain that can linger for years. When another person's negligence has caused the accident, it is important to seek legal counsel to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

The Muller Brazil law firm has the expertise and experience to represent victims of back injury car accidents. An experienced personal injury attorney will consider all factors in your case and fight for the best outcome possible. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Muller Brazil stands by your side, ready to provide you with legal counsel and advice to navigate complicated personal injury claims. Let us help you get the justice and compensation that you deserve.

An experienced personal injury attorney can help you navigate the legal process. Contact us today to get started.

 

Meet the Author

Amy Senerth - Associate Attorney

Amy A. Senerth is a trial attorney at Muller Brazil and My Vaccine Lawyer. Ms. Senerth’s practice includes representing vaccine injury victims, and individuals who suffer catastrophic personal injuries as a result of unsafe drugs and medical devices, defective products, unsafe premises, auto, bicycle, and construction accidents. Prior to joining Muller Brazil, Ms. Senerth worked at a litigation firm specializing in worker’s compensation subrogation, and representing injured workers in third party and product liability cases.

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