Some of the most common injuries you can sustain during a car accident are back injuries. These injuries happen during rear-end or roll-over accidents when the impact jolts the nerves, muscles and back ligaments.
Back injuries following a car wreck can vary greatly depending on the severity and location of the impact. Here are some of the back injuries you need to look out for after a car accident:
Thoracic vertebrae fractures
Also known as a lumbar fracture, this injury happens when one or more vertebrae are damaged during the impact. Lumbar fractures can take the following forms:
- Burst fractures – these happen when the vertebrae (bones that protect the spinal cord) are crushed and displaced.
- Flexion fractures – this refers to the damage to the middle or posterior columns of the vertebrae
- Compression fractures – this happens when the vertebrae develop cracks due to excessive pressure.
Back strains and sprains
These injuries arise when the muscles around the back area are stretched and damaged. Strains happen when the tendons connecting the bones to the muscles are damaged. Sprains, on the other hand, happen when ligaments that connect the joints to the bones are damaged. Both strains and sprains can leave you with excruciating pain.
Herniated discs
Also known as slipped or ruptured discs, herniated discs happen when the force of the impact causes the vertebrae to push into the spinal canal. This results in the compression of the tender nerves leading to severe pain or numbness.
Degenerative discs disorders
A traumatic injury to the back can also lead to a degenerative spinal disorder down the road. As you age, the damage to the spine can result in conditions such as degenerative scoliosis, sciatica, spinal osteoarthritis and spinal stenosis among others.
Back injuries that are attributable to a car accident can greatly impact the quality of your life and ability to work. Find out how you can pursue the damages you may be entitled to if the accident that resulted in your injury was not your fault.