No matter the severity of a car accident, one can face short-term or lifelong consequences due to injuries sustained from the crash. Some may leave the scene of the crash with little to no injuries, while others are not always so lucky. The most common injuries seen after a car accident are damage to the ribs and lungs, muscular tissue damage, lumbar injuries, and spinal damage. Car accidents are the leading cause of spinal cord injuries in the United States as they make up for about 39% of neck and back injuries.
Thoracic Spinal Cord Injuries are common among drivers who are involved in severe car crashes in the United States. The thoracic spine, also known as the upper back, connects to the ribs and chest region. This type of injury is serious as it can lead to further back and upper back pain. Typically, patients who are diagnosed with thoracic spine injuries will endure upper back pain and nerve damage for months or years. Lumbar spine injuries can cause strains to ligaments, tendons, or muscles in the back. Lumbar spine injuries that are sustained in a car accident may cause one to experience limited movement and swelling in the back.
Some patients may be diagnosed with sciatica after a car accident. The majority of patients who are diagnosed with sciatica have symptoms of numbness and painful, sharp sensations around the bottom of the back. Typically, these symptoms worsen every day. The most serious and life-threatening car accident injuries are spinal cord injuries. Any form of spinal cord injury can lead to temporary or terminal paralysis after the accident. The majority of patients who experience a severe spinal cord injury will be paralyzed for the rest of their life. If you or a loved one experience a spinal cord injury sustained in a car accident, you should be aware of the secondary medical problems that can occur. Patients with severe spinal cord injuries have been further diagnosed with blood clots, infections from surgeries, bleeding, and spinal fluid leaks.
There are two types of spinal cord injuries: complete and incomplete spinal cord injuries. A complete spinal cord injury is the most serious kind of spinal cord injury. If you or a loved one experiences a complete spinal cord injury, the spinal cord is compressed and severed. This can lead to the brain receiving a lack of signals from the spinal cord and other parts of the body. Although an incomplete spinal cord injury is not as severe, it can still alter one’s quality of life. Incomplete spinal cord injuries are serious but do not shut down the signals traveling from the brain to other parts of the body.
Whiplash is one of the most common injuries after a car accident. Whiplash is caused by a sudden distortion to the neck. Whiplash accidents are confined to the neck and upper back and symptoms involve neck and back pain, sensory disturbances, insomnia, and headaches. Patients who experienced whiplash from a car accident should use hot and cold compresses for fifteen minutes a few times a day. You should also purchase over-the-counter pain relievers to help relieve upper back and neck pain. The majority of patients who have whiplash will recover within a month of the accident. If you were injured in a car accident call a Maryland car accident lawyer today.
What do I do if I am Suffering From Delayed Back Pain After a Car Accident?
If you were involved in a car accident and walked away from the scene with little to no injuries, it is important to be aware that not all back and spine injuries are prevalent minutes after the incident. Some drivers may believe that they have no injuries immediately after the crash, but symptoms of back and neck injuries can surface a few days after a car accident. Many people will soldier on with their daily activities after a car accident. Although this is great, it can bring about worsening symptoms and back pain. After a car accident, some drivers’ bodies will go into shock which can cause a delay in back pain. Because back and spine injuries are not visible to others, a driver may carry on his or her daily routine, allowing for the pain to be delayed and worsen.
Pre-existing Back and Spine Conditions:
Trauma in a car accident can worsen one’s pre-existing back and spine conditions. A car accident can cause one’s back condition to worsen significantly and can corrupt one’s quality of life. Even if a car accident was not the primary cause of the back or spinal cord injury, you may be eligible for compensation. Depending on the severity and fault of the car accident, you may be able to receive a large amount of compensation for physical and emotional losses.
Symptoms of a Spinal Cord Injury After a Car Accident:
A few major indicators to a severe spinal cord injury include impaired breathing, twisted back or neck, back pain, pressure and pain in the neck, a lack of coordination, weakness, and tingling or numbness in the hands and feet. Two types of paralysis can occur after a spinal cord injury. Tetraplegia is a form of paralysis that impacts and impairs the hands, arms, and pelvic organs. Some patients may need assistance with breathing regularly and need a respirator. The second form of paralysis is paraplegia which affects the trunk, legs, and pelvic organs.
Spinal Cord Injury Recovery:
Every spinal cord injury is different. Not all patients who experienced a spinal cord injury will be treated the same. Based on the severity and time of the accident, one’s treatments will depend on bodily limitations and the patient’s needs. If you call 911 or a specialist for help, you should expect to see a variety of different professional doctors to assess the injury. Some patients will never be able to fully recover from a spinal cord injury. A few forms of rehabilitation can help improve a patient’s mobility and strength, assist in coping with the emotional and physical losses from the accident, and help with learning how to use technology to continue with daily activities.
If you or a loved one experienced a spinal cord or back injury in a car accident, contact an experienced Baltimore car accident lawyer today to explore your options for compensation. You must receive professional help to make up for the losses sustained in the crash. Even the safest and the best driver cannot prevent a car accident. You may be the best driver on the road, but others nearby may be reckless and inexperienced.