Motor vehicle accidents are some of the most dangerous types of collisions you can be involved in. It is not unusual for injury victims to suffer whiplash injuries, third-degree burns, traumatic brain damage, and other devastating injuries. In fact, extreme back pain is often one of the most reported complaints following a collision.
If you or someone you love is dealing with severe back pain after a motor vehicle accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may have the right to take legal action against the at-fault party. A leading Philadelphia car accident lawyer from Rand Spear may be able to help you access the financial compensation you need to cover your medical expenses and allow you to heal from your critical back injuries. Figuring out the cause of your back pain will help us determine not only how the collision occurred but also understand the severity of your injuries so we can ensure we are accurately calculating the value of your claim.
Potential Causes of Back Pain After a Car Accident
If you find yourself dealing with severe back pain after a collision, you may have experienced a serious injury and wonder how long after a car accident your injuries may appear. There are multiple types of back injuries that could be possible depending on how the collision occurred, where you were seated in the vehicle, and other factors. Some of the most common types of back injuries our car accident clients have dealt with include:
1. Degenerative Spinal Disorders
Degenerative spinal disorders and disc injuries can rear their ugly heads in the weeks, months, and years after your collision. You may also find a degenerative disc disorder can cause conditions you had prior to the accident to worsen, causing your condition to deteriorate. Potential degenerative spinal disorders, as described by UC Davis Health, that could occur following a car crash include:
- Bone spurs
- Bulging discs
- Degenerative disc disease
- Degenerative scoliosis
- Foraminal stenosis
- Herniated discs
- Pinched nerves
- Sciatica
- Spinal osteoarthritis
- Spinal stenosis
- Spondylolisthesis
2. Back Strains and Sprains
In the collision, the soft tissues in your back could be stretched, causing damage to the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in your back. These ligaments connect bones to other bones and bones to joints, which means your pain could radiate throughout your arms and legs as well. Depending on the severity of your strain, you could be dealing with chronic pain for the foreseeable future.
3. Thoracic or Lumbar Vertebrae Fractures
When your vertebrae are broken or cracked, you may experience a spinal fracture. The spinal cord is comprised of 33 separate bones. There are multiple types of thoracic or lumbar vertebrae fractures, including:
- Burst fractures where multiple vertebrae are crushed, causing the scattering of bone fragments
- Compression fractures which cause small breaks or cracks in the bones
- Flexion fractures that result in vertebral breaks in the posterior or middle columns
- Fracture-dislocations which dislocate your broken vertebrae
4. Spondylolisthesis
According to The Cleveland Clinic, spondylolisthesis occurs when the vertebrae compress your nerves or spinal canal as the vertebrae move. This is often caused by a stress fracture. The specific vertebrae affected and the seriousness of the displacement will determine how severe your pain is and whether you will be able to walk or complete daily living tasks on your own.
5. Herniated Discs
In a motor vehicle accident, as the car absorbs the force of the collision, the discs in your back can shift, compressing the nerves. This results in disc herniation, where the inner portion of the spinal disc pushes out through the outer portion of the spinal disc. Herniated discs, also commonly known as ruptured discs, bulging discs, or slipped discs, can often cause a burning sensation, numbness, and muscle weakness.
6. Discogenic Pain
Discogenic pain can occur when you experience shooting sensations or sharp pains throughout your spinal disc. You may experience sciatic pain throughout your legs, buttocks, groin, or feet. Whether you are lying down, sitting, or standing, if you do so for an extended period of time, you may find your pain worsen.
7. Facet Joint Injuries
The facet joints allow you to twist and bend your legs and arms in different directions without causing any damage or hurting your spine. Damaged facet joints are injuries between your nerve roots and various spinal bones that run through the different parts of your body. If you experience a facet joint injury, you may suffer from radiating pain throughout your neck and back, back spasms, tenderness, or muscle tightening.
What to Do if You Are Experiencing Back Pain After a Car Accident
Get a Medical Evaluation
If you are experiencing back pain after a car accident, it is important to obtain a medical evaluation. Even if you took an ambulance to the emergency room immediately after the accident, if you are experiencing severe pain in the days or weeks following your initial exam, do not hesitate. Get the medical treatment you need sooner so your condition does not deteriorate.
Collect Supporting Evidence
Maintain copies of your medical records. Take photos of your injuries. Collect as much supporting evidence as possible so you can hold the liable party accountable.
Consult a Personal Injury Lawyer
You are going to want a personal injury lawyer on your side if you hope to hold the liable party accountable. Rand Spear The Accident Lawyer can negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf. We are not afraid to bring your case to trial if that is what it takes to maximize your compensation.
Get Help from a Top-Rated Car Accident Law Firm Today
Back injuries are some of the most impactful injuries you can sustain in an accident. They can be excruciatingly painful and debilitating. You may find it difficult or impossible for you to complete daily living tasks on your own, earn a living, or take care of yourself or your family.
While there is no amount of money that will make up for the trauma of your back injuries, accessing the financial compensation you are entitled to can ensure you have the means to cover your expenses and start to rebuild your life. With help from a premier car accident attorney from Rand Spear The Accident Lawyer, you can fight for the justice you deserve. Fill out our quick contact form or call our office to Demand Rand and schedule your 100% free consultation.
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