Back Injuries After Car Accidents

Back injuries are very common after a car accident. While your back may be one of the strongest and toughest areas of the body, it cannot physically withstand the force and impact of a crash.

If you have recently been involved in a car accident, you may have intense back pain, discomfort, or lack of mobility, which are strong indicators that you have a back injury.

What are the initial symptoms of a back injury following a collision?

The initial symptoms of a back injury following a collision can vary because they may impact different areas of the back. Some of the initial symptoms you should keep an eye out for include:

• Pain, soreness, and discomfort
• Sensitive to touch areas
• Stiffness
• Numbness, tingling, or pins and needles feelings
• Mobility issues
• Loss of range of motion

Some accident victims feel symptoms of a back injury immediately after a car accident, while others may not feel any symptoms for a few hours, days, or even weeks. However, if left untreated, back injuries can progress and turn into lifelong disabilities. To prevent this from happening, you should seek medical attention right away.

Six of the most common back injuries after a car accident in Kansas City, MO

The back is one of the human body’s most complex and important areas. It contains various bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons, discs, and nerves, all of which share responsibilities in helping the body remain stable and carry out certain functions. When the back becomes injured, it can lead to serious and debilitating consequences that affect the entire body. Here are six of the most common back injuries after a car accident in Kansas City, MO:

Spinal cord injuries

Spinal cord injuries occur when the spinal cord is damaged, disrupting the communication process between the brain and other areas of the body. If an individual is diagnosed with a spinal cord injury, they may be able to manage and reduce their symptoms, but they will likely never make a full recovery. This is because these injuries can cause permanent damage to the feeling, strength, and even function beneath the injury site. One of the most severe effects of spinal cord injuries is paralysis.

Whiplash

Although whiplash is commonly considered a neck injury, it can also impact the upper portion of the spine. Whiplash occurs when the neck moves quickly and suddenly in a back-and-forth direction, causing the muscles and ligaments to become overstretched or torn. Most of the time, whiplash will heal on its own. However, in serious cases, it can result in long-term complications.

Back sprains and strains

When an individual is involved in an accident, their body experiences rapid twisting and turning. This can cause their body to end up in awkward and abnormal positions, leading to back sprains and strains. While some may use these two terms interchangeably, knowing they are different is important. A strain occurs when a muscle or tendon becomes pulled, overstretched, or torn, and a sprain occurs when a ligament becomes stretched or torn.

Herniated disks

Your spine is made up of several bones, which are referred to as vertebrae. Between each vertebra, there are small rubbery and soft cushions called disks. When these disks become injured, damaged, and torn due to the impact and force of a car crash, the jelly center leaks out, resulting in a herniated disk. While herniated disks are very painful by themselves, they can also press on nearby nerves, causing chronic pain, numbness, and mobility issues.

Lumbar spine injury

A lumbar spine injury affects the lowest area of the spine (L1 – L5) and is known to cause communication issues between the brain and legs. If an individual suffers a lumbar spine injury, they may have trouble walking, getting around, or even moving their legs.

Thoracic spine injury

When an individual experiences a thoracic spine injury, they have an injury somewhere in the middle or upper back or spinal area (T-1 to T-12). Since these injuries cover a large portion of the back and spine, they can affect the muscles and nerves in various body parts, such as the chest, abdominal area, rib cage, diaphragm, lungs, and more. These injuries can also cause balancing and posture problems, affecting the body’s overall stability.

What are my treatment options for a back injury?

Depending on the type of back injury you have, there are likely different treatment options that your doctor may recommend. The following are a few recommended treatments that our clients with minor and severe back injuries have received:

• Pain pills, anti-inflammation antibiotics, and muscle relaxers
• Lots of rest
• Applying hot and cold packs or compresses
• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Chiropractic treatment
• Steroid injections
• Surgery

What compensation is available for a back injury due to a car crash?

If you experienced a back injury due to a car accident that wasn’t your fault, you may be eligible to file a car accident claim and receive compensation to cover your accident-related expenses. However, before you can receive compensation, you must successfully prove that the at-fault party acted negligently and that their negligent actions directly caused your injuries. Your compensation amount will depend on how severe your back injury is, how long your providers expect your recovery to be, how much your medical bills and expenses are, whether you can ever work again, and more. The compensation you receive may be able to cover the following:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Auto mechanic fees
• Rehabilitation costs
• Prescription expenses
• Home and vehicle modifications
• Counseling or psychiatric bills
• Chiropractic fees
• Medical device and equipment costs
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Permanent and temporary disability
• Chronic pain
• Mental trauma
• Emotional distress

If you or a loved one recently suffered a back injury in a car accident, Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys can help. Our car accident lawyers have spent decades representing clients who have been in car accidents and suffered various back injuries. You can rest assured knowing that you have an experienced team in your corner, fighting for maximum compensation. We have been voted Kansas City’s Favorite Law Firm, and we strive to uphold this title every day. Please call our office or submit our contact form to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation today. We are available any time at our main office in Kansas City, MO. You may also schedule an appointment at our other convenient office locations in Lee’s Summit, Parkville and St. Joseph (MO), Olathe, Kansas City, and Overland Park (KS).