Back Injuries in Car Accidents

Back pain is one of the most common injuries sustained in a car accident. Minor back pain may make everyday life difficult; however, more severe back pain or spinal injuries may cause chronic pain, long-term disability, or paralysis. 

Types of Back Injuries Resulting from Car Accidents

Most back and spinal injuries fall into two spinal areas: the thoracic vertebrae (upper back) and the lumbar vertebrae (lower back). The spinal cord and discs that separate the vertebrae are also at risk of car accident injury.

Damage to the ligaments, nerves, muscles, tendons, or any other part of the back or spinal cord can cause pain and lead to injury. Some injuries can be mild and temporary; however, some may be severe and long-lasting.

Upper Back

These injuries can be mild or severe. Sprains, strains, and other injuries in this area may result in permanent and long-lasting nerve damage.

Lower Back

Damage to the lumbar spine includes sprains, strains, and other injuries that may be painful and significantly impact your daily life. Damages in the lower back often take the form of swelling, tenderness, and bruising that results in limited movement.

Spinal Cord Damage

The most dangerous type of back injury, spinal cord injuries, can result in temporary loss of feeling, loss of reflex function, long-term disability, and partial or total paralysis. 

Herniated Discs

Spinal discs cushion the vertebrae and act as a shock absorber. When a disc is displaced, it is called a herniated disc and causes severe pain due to nerves being pinched between the vertebrae. Common symptoms include sudden and intense pain or numbness that radiates from the lower back and down one or both legs.

Treatment Options

It’s essential to seek medical examination following an accident. Many injuries are not visible at first. The full extent of your injuries may not appear for weeks or months. Doctors use many tools to diagnose internal injuries after a car accident, including X-rays, CT Scans, MRIs, EMG tests, and other scans.

After diagnosis, your doctor will create a treatment plan specific to your injuries. Mild back injuries may require only short-term treatment, pain medications, and physical therapy. Severe injuries may require surgery.

Seek Legal Advice

If you have been in a crash and experienced back pain, you should immediately seek medical help. Following medical evaluation, you should contact an attorney who can help you calculate your damages and determine if you are eligible for compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and any other expenses.

At Saladino & Schaaf, our personal injury attorneys have over 75 years of combined experience representing Kentuckians involved in injury accidents. Contact one of our attorneys today to discuss your case at 270-444-0406 (Paducah) / 270-753-1529 (Murray) or contact us online for a free case evaluation.