Hasbrook & Hasbrook often encounter clients who have suffered from severe back injuries post-accidents. Sometimes, this could include a spinal cord injury, leading to chronic back pain. Nobody should have to live a life of pain after a car crash, and that is why we advocate for car accident victims.
If you have a lumbar or thoracic spine injury, you need an experienced car accident attorney to fight for you. Learn more about back injuries below, and call us to schedule a free case consultation.
Addressing Back Injuries From Car Accidents
Back injuries from car accidents vary markedly in their severity. According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, these injuries range from minor strains to severe spinal cord damage. They may manifest immediately or take days to become evident, resulting in chronic pain and limited ability to work or perform daily tasks. Victims need proper medical evaluation and legal guidance.
Types of Accidents That Cause Back Injuries
Common accident types include:
- Rear-End Collisions: Often lead to whiplash affecting the neck and upper back.
- T-bone Accidents: Side-impact crashes causing spine compression or twisting.
- Head-On Collisions: Tremendous force can damage the lumbar region.
- Rollover Accidents: Car flipping can strain the back, potentially causing fractures or disc injuries.
- High-Speed Crashes: Greater speed means more forceful impact, potentially causing severe spinal cord damage.
Back Injury Symptoms After a Car Accident
Key symptoms include:
- Pain and Stiffness: Continuous pain that may intensify with movement.
- Numbness or Tingling: In feet or legs, indicating possible nerve injury.
- Weakness: Difficulty moving parts of your body.
- Limited Range of Motion: Trouble bending or twisting.
- Swelling or Bruising: Visible around the back area.
- Radiating Pain: From back into buttocks or legs, often indicating nerve involvement.
- Muscle Spasms: Involuntary contractions causing discomfort.
- Changes in Bladder or Bowel Control: Indicating severe spinal cord involvement requiring immediate attention.
Types of Back Injuries Caused by Car Accidents
Common back injuries include:
Lumbar Strains and Sprains
According to the Cleveland Clinic, strains occur when muscle fibers or tendons are abnormally stretched or torn, while sprains involve the tearing of ligaments. Symptoms include lower back pain, muscle spasms, restricted motion, and pain worsening with movement. Treatment typically involves rest, ice/heat therapy, pain medications, and gentle stretching.
Whiplash Injuries
Whiplash occurs when the neck bounces from side to side, common in rear-end collisions. Symptoms include neck pain, stiffness, headaches, blurred vision, and dizziness. Diagnosis involves physical examination and sometimes imaging tests. Treatment includes pain management and physical therapy.
Herniated Disc Injuries
A herniated disc occurs when a disc’s center pushes into the spinal canal. Symptoms include back pain, numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness. According to the Mayo Clinic, herniated discs can press on nerves, causing radiating pain. Treatment ranges from pain management to surgery in severe cases.
Thoracic Disc Herniation
Less common than lumbar injuries, thoracic disc herniations can cause pain radiating around the ribcage and difficulty with balance. Diagnosis requires specialized imaging, and treatment options range from conservative management to surgery.
Compression Fractures
Compression fractures involve vertebrae collapse due to trauma or weakened bones. Symptoms include sharp or chronic pain, stooped posture, and height loss. Treatment includes pain management, bracing, or surgical interventions like vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty.
Spinal Cord Injuries
The most serious category potentially results in partial or complete loss of movement, sensation, bladder/bowel control, breathing difficulties, and changes in sexual function. These require immediate immobilization, often surgical intervention, and comprehensive rehabilitation.
Factors Affecting Severity of Back Injuries
Severity factors include:
- Collision speed
- Occupant position and seatbelt use
- Vehicle size and type
- Pre-existing conditions like osteoporosis.)
- Point of Impact
- Headrest position
- Age and overall health
Secondary Medical Concerns From Back Injuries
Back injuries can lead to chronic conditions, limited mobility, and mental health issues, including anxiety, PTSD, depression, and sleep disturbances. WebMD notes these impacts can be long-lasting if not properly addressed.
Treatment Options for Back Pain After Car Accidents
Conservative Treatments
Medications: NSAIDs, muscle relaxants, pain relievers- Physical Therapy: Strengthening exercises, flexibility improvements
- Chiropractic Care: Spinal adjustments
- Massage Therapy: Muscle relaxation and improved circulation
Advanced Treatments
- Epidural steroid injections
- Facet joint injections
- Radiofrequency ablation
Surgical Options
- Discectomy
- Spinal fusion
- Vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty
Recovery and Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation includes physical therapy with core strengthening, stretching, and low-impact activities. Proper soft tissue care requires rest, nutrition, hydration, and avoiding painful activities. Johns Hopkins Medicine recommends limited bed rest followed by a gradual return to activity.
What To Do if You Have Back Pain After a Car Accident
- Seek Medical Attention: Even for mild pain, as Spine Connection advises, many injuries have delayed symptoms.
- Document Everything: Medical bills, accident details, symptoms, and expenses.
- Avoid Settling Immediately: Consult with a lawyer before accepting insurance offers.
- Consult With a Lawyer: For guidance on rights and potential compensation.
- Follow Medical Advice: For recovery and to support legal claims.
- Apply Ice and Heat: Ice for 24-48 hours, then heat therapy.
Seek additional medical care for worsening pain, numbness, loss of bladder/bowel control, fever, or severely disruptive pain.
Filing a Claim or Lawsuit for Your Back Injury
In Oklahoma, you typically have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit. Potential compensation includes:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Diminished quality of life
- Cost of home modifications, if needed
Prevention of Future Back Injuries
Preventative measures include:
- Proper seatbelt use
- Correct headrest positioning
- Good driving posture
- Core-strengthening exercises
- Proper lifting techniques
- Maintaining healthy weight
- Using lumbar support for long drives
Discuss Your Legal Options With a Personal Injury Attorney | Call Hasbrook & Hasbrook Today!
If you’ve suffered a back injury from a car accident, Hasbrook & Hasbrook is here to support you. Please review our case results and contact us today to schedule a case consultation.
Back Pain Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to recover from a car accident back injury?
Recovery time varies based on the injury’s severity. Minor strains might heal in a few weeks, while severe spinal injuries could take months or even result in permanent damage.
How much is the average settlement for a back injury?
Settlements vary based on injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, and other factors. While minor injuries might fetch smaller amounts, severe injuries can lead to substantial settlements.
What causes delayed back pain after a car accident?
Delayed pain can result from adrenaline-masking injury symptoms. As the adrenaline wears off, pain can emerge. Additionally, some injuries, like herniated discs, might not present symptoms immediately.
Do I need surgery for my back injury after a car accident?
The need for surgery depends on the injury’s severity and your response to conservative treatments. Your healthcare provider will recommend surgery only if necessary, typically after other treatments haven’t provided relief.
Will my insurance cover my back injury treatment?
Insurance coverage depends on your policy and the accident circumstances. In many cases, the at-fault driver’s insurance should cover your medical expenses, but your health insurance may also play a role.
Discuss Your Legal Options With a Personal Injury Attorney | Call Hasbrook & Hasbrook Today!
If you’ve suffered a back injury from a car accident, know you’re not alone. With the proper guidance, you can navigate the path to recovery, medically and financially. Hasbrook & Hasbrook is here to support and guide you. Please take a look at our case results as well. Contact us today to schedule a case consultation.
