Spine Injury from a Car Accident

Car accidents can result in devastating outcomes, with spinal injuries being among the most severe. Understanding the different types of spinal injuries, recognizing their common symptoms, and being aware of treatment options and potential compensation can help accident victims deal with these challenging circumstances. This blog provides essential information about spinal cord injuries that can occur from vehicle collisions.

Impacts of a Spinal Cord Injury from a Car Accident

Victims of motor vehicle accidents often face immediate physical and mental health challenges, with long-term effects that can drastically reduce their quality of life. Unfortunately, many accident victims may have to endure chronic pain due to spinal cord damage, nerve pain, or degenerative conditions for the rest of their lives. The moments immediately following a car crash are critical for the victim, as timely medical attention can significantly impact recovery.

Common injuries, such as spinal fractures, disc herniations, and neck injuries, can cause severe pain, loss of sensation, and muscle weakness. If you suspect spinal injuries, it’s critical to seek medical care immediately. If there’s a need to move the accident victim, it’s essential to wait for emergency personnel unless necessary. Additionally, filing a personal injury claim may help compensate injury victims for non-monetary damages, such as pain and suffering caused by debilitating chronic pain or emotional distress from life-altering injuries.

Types of Spine Injuries Caused by Car Accidents

According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center NSCISC, motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of spinal cord injuries. Despite safety features like seat belts and airbags, the spinal cord is still highly vulnerable to injury in a collision. The spine, also called the spinal column, extends from the base of the skull into the hips. It is a complex structure comprising 33 vertebrae, including cervical vertebrae in the neck and upper back, thoracic spine in the mid-back, and lumbar vertebrae in the lower back. The spine also contains nerve roots, spinal discs, and spinal nerves, all of which are vulnerable to vehicle collisions. Damage to any of these areas can lead to long-lasting consequences, including:

• Spinal Cord Injury (SCI): A spinal cord injury involves damage to the spinal cord, resulting in partial or complete loss of motor function and sensation below the injury site. Severe injuries may lead to permanent paralysis and affect the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar spine.
• Spinal Fracture: Spinal fractures, including compression fractures and flexion-distraction fractures, can cause severe pain, limited range of motion, and potentially nerve damage. These injuries commonly occur in the cervical spine or lumbar region, leading to chronic pain and other complications.
• Disc Herniations: The force of a collision can cause spinal discs between vertebrae to herniate, leading to intense nerve pain and nerve root compression. Disc herniations are a common source of severe pain and may require extensive treatment options.
• Spinal Cord Contusion: Some accidents bruise or crush the spinal cord, leading to bleeding, swelling, and potential damage to spinal nerves. Depending on the severity of the injury, this can result in temporary or permanent paralysis.
• Spinal Stenosis: Pre-existing spinal stenosis, a condition where the spinal canal narrows and puts pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, can be exacerbated by a car accident. The added trauma can increase pain, numbness, and weakness in the affected areas.
• Whiplash Injury: Common in rear-end collisions, whiplash affects the cervical spine and can result in neck pain, restricted neck movement, and sometimes blurred vision.

Recognizing Symptoms of Spinal Cord Injuries

Recognizing spine injury symptoms promptly is crucial for timely medical intervention. Common symptoms of spinal injuries include:

• Severe pain in the neck, back, or spine
• Loss of sensation or muscle weakness in the limbs
• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• Difficulty breathing or abnormal heart rate
• Muscle spasms or loss of motor function

These symptoms, especially when they involve the spinal cord or spinal nerves, indicate a serious injury that requires immediate attention from an orthopedic surgeon or other medical professionals.

Duration of Back Pain Following a Car Accident

Back pain after a car accident varies depending on the severity and type of injury. Minor injuries like soft tissue damage might heal within weeks with appropriate medical care. However, more severe injuries, like spinal fractures or disc herniations, may require months or even years to recover fully. Persistent pain should never be ignored; seeking advice from a healthcare professional, including chiropractic care, is essential for an accurate diagnosis and treatment. In some instances, minor back injuries, like sprains or strains to ligaments, may resolve within days or weeks, especially with rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE) therapy, and pain medication.

More severe injuries, such as spinal fractures or herniated discs, often result in long-term or chronic pain. Spinal fractures involve cracks or breaks in the vertebrae, typically due to the impact of a car accident. Herniated discs occur when the cushioning spinal discs between vertebrae become damaged, bulging, or rupturing. Recovery from these injuries can take much longer, sometimes months or years, and may involve physical therapy, chiropractic care, medication, and possibly surgery. Following the recommended treatment plan and consulting healthcare professionals is vital for proper healing and pain management.

Treatment Options for Spinal Injuries from Car Accidents

Delaying medical treatment after sustaining a spinal injury in a car accident can have serious consequences, both medically and legally. Failure to seek prompt medical attention could lead to reduced claim value or a lack of medical documentation to directly link the injury to the accident for a car accident victim.

Treatment options for spinal injuries depend on the type and severity of the injury. Common treatments include:

• Medication: Pain management often involves anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, or other pain medication to alleviate discomfort, including nerve pain and muscle spasms.
• Physical Therapy: Specific exercises and therapies can help restore movement, strength, and flexibility, particularly in the cervical and lumbar regions.
• Surgical Intervention: Severe cases, such as spinal fractures or disc herniations, may require surgery to repair or stabilize the spine.
• Chiropractic Care: For some accident victims, chiropractic care offers relief by improving range of motion, reducing pain, and helping to realign the spine.
• Experimental Treatments: In some situations, corticosteroid injections or regenerative medicine may be considered.

Even if the injury improves over time, a spinal injury from an auto accident can cause significant back pain, weakness, and loss of bowel or bladder control for an extended period.

Compensation for Spinal Injuries in a Car Accident

Victims of car accidents can seek compensation for various damages, including:

• Medical Expenses: Coverage for current and future medical bills related to the injury.
• Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost due to the inability to work.
• Pain and Suffering: Damages for physical pain and emotional distress caused by the injury.
• Loss of Consortium: Compensation for the impact on relationships and family life.
• Rehabilitation Costs: Coverage for ongoing physical therapy or rehabilitation services.

How a Car Accident Lawyer Can Assist with Your Spine Injury Claim

Dealing with the a car accident injury claim can be overwhelming, especially if you are suffering from a spinal cord injury. A skilled car accident lawyer can offer invaluable help by:

• Assessing Your Case: Evaluating the details of the accident and the extent of your injuries.
• Gathering Evidence: Collecting medical records, accident reports, and witness statements to build a strong case.
• Negotiating with Insurers: Dealing with insurance companies to secure fair compensation.
• Filing a Lawsuit: Representing you in court if a fair settlement cannot be reached.

Call our car accident attorneys at Munley Law for a free consultation to discuss your spine injury claim options.