The Most Common Types of Back Injuries After A Car Accident

Suffering with pain from a car accident is more common that most people might think.

The strain of a sudden stop or violent crash can have extreme effects on the human body.

Whiplash to the neck, head trauma, pinched nerves, and herniated discs are just a few of the most common injuries.

Read below for the most common injuries related to being in an auto accident.

The Most Common Back Injuries Caused By A Car Accident

The back or spine is divided into three different areas:

Cervical vertebrae (neck), thoracic vertebrae (upper back), and lumbar vertebrae (lower back). Each part of the spinal cord and neck is surrounded by discs, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves.

Thoracic (Neck) Injuries

Injuries to the neck are typically the most serious and dangerous. Whiplash, where the head is suddenly thrusted forward, is often the cause of neck injuries. Neck sprains or fractures can be extremely painful.

Lumbar Spine Injuries

The spine is comprised of the five largest vertebrae. When the body is twisted or there is extreme forces on the back, muscles can be stretched and swelling, bruising, tenderness, and pain may be experienced.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries are the most serious and can often lead to paralyzation, disability, loss of feeling, and permanent damage. Many victims of spinal cord injuries require serious surgery and may also experience further medical issues such as blood clots, bleeding, pneumonia, and spinal fluid leaks.

Herniated Discs

Discs act like the cushions that separate the vertebrae and protect the spine from injury. When a disc becomes displaced, it’s called called a “herniated disc.” Herniated discs often feel like intense pain in the lower back and can result in numbness in the legs.

Treatments for Back Injuries

Through examinations and the use of MRIs, x-rays, and scans, severity can be determined and the appropriate treatments proscribed.

Many back injuries only require short term therapy, medication, injections, physical therapy, and chiropractic care. In the case of a more serious car accident injury, surgery and special treatments may be required.

If you’ve been in an Tulsa Auto Accident, don’t wait to get medically examined.