Car Accidents and Back Injuries
The Commonality of Back Injuries
The American Chiropractic Association estimates that about eight out of every ten people will suffer from a back injury at some point during their lives. Back injuries are so common that they are the third leading cause for visits to the doctor's office.
One of the top causes of back injuries is car accidents. What types of back injuries are common after car accidents? Why are car accidents likely to cause these types of injuries? Get the answers to these questions and more below.
Common Types of Back Injuries After an Accident
The back is full of muscles, bones and other tissue that extends all the way from your neck area to the pelvis. Back injuries often cause severe and long-lasting pain. This pain typically impacts your ability to work and your day-to-day activities. Here are some of the most common types of back injuries that stem from car accidents:
- Whiplash
- Spondylolisthesis (displaced vertebra)
- Spinal fractures
- Disc herniation
- Spinal stenosis
- Spinal cord injuries
Sometimes, back injuries from accidents can be permanent. These types of injuries are diagnosed through the use of CT scans, MRIs, x-rays and other scans. At times, surgery is necessary to help alleviate pressure on the spine.
It's important to recognize that these types of injuries are not always immediately apparent after the crash. Several of these injuries are easily hidden by the presence of adrenaline and other chemicals after the collision.
Why Car Accidents Cause Back Injuries
Nearly half, or 40 percent, of all back injuries, are caused by motor vehicle accidents. Why is this statistic so high? While the spine is very strong, it was never designed to withstand the high speeds and sudden motions of a car crash. The impact and stopping motion often puts way too much strain on the back muscles. During the impact, it's also common for the upper body to be thrown forward while the lower body remains in place due to the seatbelt. When this happens, the back's vertebrae can come apart. If a spinal fracture occurs, then the person may be numb, weak and experience a loss of bowel control. If you suspect a spinal fracture, then don't attempt to move the injured person until emergency responders arrive. These rescuers will immobilize the person with a neck collar and backboard to prevent further injury.
Contact a Edison Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Back Injury Case in New Jersey
Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to a car accident in New Jersey? Don't let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Lombardi and Lombardi, P.A. represent clients injured because of car accidents in Newark, Elizabeth, Edison, Woodbridge, Toms River, Brick, Middletown and throughout New Jersey. Call 732-906-1500 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 1862 Oak Tree Road, Edison, NJ 08820 as well as offices in Brick, Freehold and Point Pleasant.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
Check out our other blogs on this topic:
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Avoiding Preventable Car Accidents
- When You Should Hire A Car Accident Attorney in Brick, NJ
