Common Back Injuries After a Car Accident

A back injury is one of the most common injuries sustained in a car accident. Unfortunately, these types of injuries can be extremely painful and debilitating, often leading to long-term problems. While there are many different types of back injuries that can occur, there are some that are more common than others. Here’s what you need to know about each one.

Whiplash

Whiplash is perhaps the most well-known type of car accident injury, but that doesn’t make it any less serious. Whiplash occurs when your head is suddenly jolted forward and then backwards in a quick, violent motion. Whiplash commonly causes pain to a person’s neck, but it can also cause serious injury to the back or spine due to the sharp, sudden movements. The most common symptoms of whiplash include neck and back pain, stiffness, headaches, dizziness, and fatigue.

While most people recover from whiplash within a few weeks, some people experience chronic pain and other long-term effects. If you’ve been in a car accident and are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor right away.

Herniated Discs

Your spine is made up of bones (vertebrae) that are cushioned by discs. These discs act as shock absorbers for your spine, absorbing the impact of things like walking, running, and—you guessed it—car accidents. A herniated disc occurs when one of these discs is damaged and starts to bulge or rupture. This can happen if the disc is cracked or torn, or if the outer layer tears open and allows the inner gel-like material to leak out. Herniated discs can cause nerve compression, which can lead to pain, numbness, or weakness in your arms or legs.

Spinal Cord Injuries 9

The spinal cord is a long bundle of nerves that runs down your spine from your brainstem to your lower back. It’s responsible for carrying messages between your brain and your body—messages like “move your arm” or “it’s time to breathe.” A spinal cord injury occurs when there is damage to part of the spinal cord or the nerves at the base of the spine. Spinal cord injuries can be complete or incomplete; with complete injuries, there is no functionality below the point of injury while with incomplete injuries there is some movement and sensation below the point primary injury site.

The Importance of Seeing a Doctor After a Car Accident

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible—even if you don’t think the injuries are serious. Some injuries, like whiplash, may not show symptoms until days or even weeks after the accident. By seeing a doctor right away, you can get a diagnosis of your injuries and begin treatment immediately. This will also allow you to document your injuries, which will be important if you decide to file an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.

The Benefits of Calling a Personal Injury Lawyer

After being injured in a car accident, you may be wondering whether or not you need to call a personal injury lawyer. The answer is yes—calling a lawyer can provide many benefits, including helping you navigate the insurance claims process, negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf, and filing a personal injury lawsuit if necessary. If you need help with a claim, contact our Charleston car accident lawyers today to schedule a free consultation.