Car accidents can cause a variety of injuries, ranging from minor to severe, in addition to the emotional stress and financial burden that occur. Some of the more common injuries in car accidents involve around the neck and spine. These injuries can often be crushing, as they may mean you are unable to work, are in pain, or need expensive procedures to recover. 

Below, we’ll outline what are some of the most common back injuries from car accidents as well as what you should do if you suffer a back injury in a car accident.

Whiplash

One of the most well-known car accident injuries is whiplash. This injury occurs when the neck muscles are forced to strain and often is caused by sudden and abrupt movement or force, such as that in a collision. Because of the fragile nature of the neck, whiplash can even be found in what many might consider more mild accidents such as being rear-ended while stopped. 

Symptoms of whiplash include:

• Stiffness in the neck and upper back
• Shoulder pain
• Back pain
• Headaches
• Dizziness or vertigo
• A burning or tingling sensation
• Hoarseness and pain in the throat, especially when swallowing or speaking

Herniated Discs

Herniated discs are when the sacs of fluid providing protection between the discs of your spine burst. This results in bones rubbing against each other, causing pain and other issues. There is a range of severity with herniated discs, ranging from mild discomfort that can be alleviated with pain medication and rest to more severe situations that may require surgery.

Additionally, in rare cases, a herniated disc can cause a very serious condition called Cauda Equina Syndrome. This condition needs to be treated within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms to avoid complications. 

Symptoms include:

• Bowel and bladder issues
• Numbness or loss of sensation in the groin area
• Pain that gets worse
• Losing reflexes in your lower limbs
• Weakness or a feeling of numbness in one or both legs
• Low back pain, especially if it continuously worsens as time goes on

Sprain

Similar to whiplash, this is caused by the sudden movements involved in a car accident. When the force or abrupt movement causes your back to strain suddenly, it can cause ligament tears in your lower back. 

Symptoms of lumbar sprain include:

• Pain when walking, standing, or sitting
• Difficulty walking, standing, or sitting
• Muscle spasms

Spinal Cord and Spinal Column Injuries

The severe motion of a car accident can cause traumatic injuries to the spine. 

Spinal column injuries, such as fractures, occur in three forms:

• Flexion fractures are the least severe and may require a back brace and physical therapy.
• Extension fractures are more severe than flexion fractures but do not always require surgery to be treated.
• Rotation fractures may require surgery to fix, especially if damage has been caused to the spinal cord or if there is nerve damage.

Spinal cord injuries are some of the most severe back injuries you can sustain in a car accident. The spinal cord affects nerves all over your body so it can cause issues with pain and movement in any area or extremity. They can cause decreased mobility, weakness, pain, decreased circulation, and more.

What Should You Do If You Injure Your Back in a Car Accident?

If you injure your back in a car accident, or suspect you have, it is essential to be treated by a medical professional as soon as possible. Many spinal injuries can worsen over time and may require surgery when left untreated. 

After being treated by a medical professional, you should contact a personal injury lawyer. Back injuries can be costly not only in terms of medical care but also because you will likely need to miss work due to pain and limited mobility. A lawyer can help you assess the overall costs of the car accident to you, and help you determine your best next steps.

A personal injury lawyer can help you submit insurance claims, represent you in court if other drivers are found negligent in your accident, and provide support as you navigate the complex medical, insurance, and legal systems.

Our team at Poynter & Bucheri has years of experience helping victims of back, neck, and spinal injuries caused by accidents to receive fair compensation for their pain and suffering. We will fight for your rights and provide any assistance we can.

Call our team today at 1-800-265-9881 or 317-780-8000 to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Indianapolis spinal cord injury lawyer.