Recovering From Neck, Back, and Spine Damage Caused by a Vehicle Collision
Thousands of people are hurt in head-on, side-impact, and rear-end car accidents every day, with back pain being the most frequently reported injury. Fortunately, the damage is often limited to minor bruises, scrapes, and sprains, and victims experience a speedy recovery. Sometimes, however, vehicle accidents result in fractured vertebrae, disc herniation, and spinal cord damage. Injuries to the neck, back, and spine can be devastating, preventing victims from returning to work and severely impacting their quality of life.
Neck Injuries
Collisions frequently cause neck strains and sprains. Ligaments and muscles are stretched, pulled, or torn, resulting in stiffness and pain. The rapid movement of the neck during a collision can cause discs to herniate, leading to numbness, pain, and weakness in the back and neck. A ruptured disc can irritate or pinch nerves, resulting in pain and numbness in the arms and hands. These symptoms are typical of neck injuries:
- Headaches
- Reduced range of neck motion
- Muscle spasms
- Pain, weakness, or numbness in the arms and hands
Back Injuries
The back contains a complex network of muscles, tendons, and ligaments, all intertwined around the vertebrae, discs, and spinal cord. Depending on the severity of impact during a collision, one or more parts of the back may be injured. Since the spinal cord runs the full length of the back, any back injury is potentially dangerous. Common back injury symptoms include:
- Pain radiating up or down the legs
- Numbness in the extremities
- Loss of muscle strength
- Intermittent back pain
You Need an Attorney
During a vehicle accident, the rapid flow of adrenaline and endorphins can temporarily mask or downgrade the sensation of pain. Pay close attention to any neck or back injury symptoms, and seek treatment immediately if you’re in pain.
If you’ve experienced a serious back injury due to a car collision, protect your rights by speaking with an attorney right away. Contact the law offices of Steve M. Lee, P.C., by clicking the Live Chat button on this page.