Back injuries are one of the most unpleasant consequences that come with car accidents.
Back injuries are among the most common injuries associated with car accidents. The back is highly susceptible to the impact of an accident. Back injuries, regardless of the extent of their severity, can limit a person’s activity level. In this post, Missouri car accident lawyers discuss various types of back injuries and what you can do in case your back is injured in a car accident.
Types of Back Injuries
Spinal Cord Injuries – These can be the most severe back injuries one can suffer. In extreme cases of spinal cord injuries, the person may become permanently disabled. Loss of sensation in parts of the body, loss of reflex function, and partial or total paralysis are some unfortunate consequences of spinal cord injuries. These injuries and some of their treatments may also give rise to other medical issues such as spinal fluid leaks, pneumonia, blood clots, or surgery-related infections.
Thoracic Spine Injuries – The thoracic spine, also called the upper back, links to the chest and ribs. It is vulnerable to back injuries in high-impact car accidents. Permanent nerve damage may result from fractures and sprains to the thoracic spine.
Lumbar Spine Injuries – The lumbar spine plays a vital role in providing stability to the spine. It comprises five large vertebrae and very strong muscles. Any strain or sprain to the lumbar spine may be quite debilitating. A strain refers to forceful stretching or pulling of the muscles, ligaments, or tendons; while a sprain refers to actual ligament damage. Your ability to function effectively may be compromised by either a sprain or a strain in terms of limited movement, tenderness, or bruising.
Herniated Discs – These are also serious back injuries that may result from car accidents. The injury involves damage to discs that protect the spine and divide the vertebrae. When one of these discs is displaced, it is described as a herniated disc, and it applies pressure on the spinal cord as well as on the surrounding nerves. Possible symptoms of herniated discs include a numb feeling in the legs and sudden sharp pain in the lower back area.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Back Injuries
Missouri car accident attorneys inform us that there are a variety of methods that can be used to diagnose the existence of back injuries as well as their degree of severity in the aftermath of an accident. MRIs, X-rays, CT scans, bone scans, and myelograms can all be used to diagnose back injuries.
The outcome of diagnosis will usually determine the best type of treatment for the back injury. Less severe back injuries may need short-term treatment such as inflammation injections, chiropractic care, physical therapy, or pain medication. Surgery may be required for more severe back injuries.
If you have been involved in a car accident resulting in severe back injuries, it may not be sufficient to seek compensation to cover your medical costs only. Your personal injury lawsuit or insurance claim should also take into account the impact the injury could have on your daily activity level. Call The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C. at (314) 361-4242 for a free consultation.
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