Hundreds of thousands of individuals are injured in car accidents each year.  Back injuries are among the most common of injuries sustained following an automobile crash.  Even accidents that seem minor can inflict serious back injuries due to the jarring motion experienced by one’s body in a crash.  The spinal cord is not intended to absorb such a jar, even at low speeds, and this often causes damage.  Minor back injuries can impact your ability to perform daily living tasks, while major injuries can entirely debilitate, preventing you from performing work duties or self-care activities.

Types of Injuries Following a Crash

The human spinal cord can be divided into three different regions: the cervical vertebrae which comprises the neck; the thoracic vertebrae which comprises the upper back; and the lumbar vertebrae which makes up the lower back.  Each segment of the back contains ligaments, muscles, nerves, discs, and tendons that if injured will cause significant pain and sometimes permanent damage.

• Spinal Cord Injuries: Some of the most serious car accident related back injuries involve the spinal column.  The spinal cord controls much movement and sensation and is a vulnerable part of the back.  Injuries to the spinal cord can vary from bruising to permanent damage.  Spinal cord injuries can cause partial or total paralysis, loss of feeling in certain regions of the body, and loss of reflexes.  Treatment for these serious injuries will include surgery, medication, and lots of physical therapy. Permanent disability often results.
• Thoracic Spine Injuries: High speed crashes most often cause injuries to the upper back.  The upper back connects the spine to the ribs, making injuries to this region extremely dangerous.  Permanent nerve damage can result from thoracic spine injuries.
• Herniated Discs: Discs act as cushions within the spine, separating the vertebrae and insulating the spine from injury.  A herniated disc occurs following a car accident when the disc is displaced.  This displacement places pressure on the spinal cord and causes intense pain along with numbness in the legs.
• Lumbar Spine Injuries: The lower back is a vital area of support for the entire body, providing stability due to the many muscles located here.  A sprain or strain on the lower back can be extremely painful and slow to heal.  Fractures to this region can result in swelling, tenderness, and limited range of motion.  These injuries will leave accident victims unable to perform work and living tasks.

After a car accident, your back injury should be evaluated to determine its severity and, in turn, its required treatment.  Back injuries can be diagnosed through an array of tests, including MRI, CT scans, x-rays, myelograms, and bone scans.  Most back injuries will require treatment with medication, rest, physical therapy, and chiropractic care.  More serious injuries may require surgery.

Barrett Law PLLC: Mississippi Car Accident Attorneys Fighting for Victim Rights  

Car accidents caused by negligent drivers can cause serious and sometimes permanent back injuries.  The back is a sensitive area of the body that is easily injured in a crash.  Back injuries usually require months or even years of treatment in order for hopes of a full recovery.  For some individuals, the back pain never subsides.  The Mississippi Automobile Accident Attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC will fight zealously for you to obtain full compensation following a car accident.  For over 75 years, we have helped countless car accident victims find financial relief and we wish to offer the same excellence of legal services to you. Call Barrett Law PLLC today at 1 (601) 790-1505 to schedule your free consultation.