Due to the sheer force of many car accidents, serious injuries and deaths occur. Injuries range from traumatic brain injuries to minor bruises and lacerations to an assortment of back and spinal cord injuries.
Several types of back injuries show up again and again in the aftermath of an accident.
Common back injuries
Information from Alexander Orthopaedic Associates reveals the common nature of car accidents that result in lasting back pain. The symptoms of a back injury can include minor discomfort that goes away in just a few days to severe pain that limits daily activities.
The typically violent mechanism of an accident causes the body to stop abruptly. A seat belt, dashboard, steering wheel or even the ground can quickly stop the movement of the body, resulting in damage to the back or spinal cord. The speed and force of a collision can cause a variety of back injuries:
- Vertebrae fractures
- Strains and sprains
- Damaged discs
- Degenerative spinal disorders
Degenerative back problems can worsen in the weeks and months after an accident. This can lead to sciatica, pinched nerves, bone spurs and other problems.
Best treatment options
Any back injury from a car accident should come under the care of a medical professional. Treatment options vary depending upon the type of injury, but physical therapy, oral pain medications, corticosteroid injections and surgery can all lessen pain and symptoms.
Waiting to see a medical professional after an accident can lead to unnecessary pain and suffering, and result in muscle spasms, tingling, numbness, headaches and dizziness. The smart course of action calls for prompt medical care either from an emergency room or a primary care provider.
