Car accidents are a leading cause of spine injuries, which can range from mild strains to severe, life-altering damage. Common spine injuries include herniated discs, fractured vertebrae, spinal cord contusions, and whiplash. The severity of these injuries often depends on the speed of impact, the type of collision, and whether safety measures like seat belts were used.
Spinal injuries can result in chronic pain, limited mobility, and long-term medical treatment, including surgery or physical therapy. Victims of car wrecks should seek immediate medical evaluation to assess potential spine damage and begin treatment as early as possible. Legal guidance may also be necessary if negligence contributed to the accident, helping injured individuals pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
If you have been in a car accident in New Jersey, you may suffer back or neck injuries. These injuries can appear immediately, or they may show up later. Some types of injuries are more common than others.
Lumbar sprain
You may have a lumbar sprain if you feel low back pain after a car accident. Doctors diagnose this injury when the muscles surrounding the spine have been injured during the accident.
Thoracic spine injuries
While injuries can occur anywhere along the spine, they can be particularly dangerous in the thoracic area of the spine because the bones are smaller there.
Spine fractures
The backbone can fracture anywhere along its length, or it may dislodge from its position without breaking.
Sciatica
Doctors call compression of the spinal nerve root in the back sciatica. This injury can cause pain in the hip, lower back and outer side of the leg.
Spinal stenosis
This progressive disease is caused by the narrowing of the channel holding the spine, causing nerves to get pinched. It can make it challenging to pick up lightweight objects and causes tingling in hands and feet.
Facet joint syndrome
Motor vehicle accidents can cause facet joint injuries by damaging the spine’s facet joints. Once one joint gets damaged, it often causes progressive damage in other joints.
Disc herniation
Car accidents can cause the spongy discs between the vertebrae to become dislodged. When this occurs, people often feel pain in the middle of their back, but it is possible to feel discomfort anywhere along the back, depending on which disc has dislodged.
Car accidents can cause sudden or long-term spine and neck problems. Car accident victims should seek a medical evaluation immediately to prevent complications.
