Car accidents occur every day. Unfortunately, damage from
these crashes is not always limited to the vehicles involved. Many of these
accidents, even if they aren’t very serious, can cause personal injury. And one
of the most common of these injuries is back injuries. Even a minor accident can
cause you to harm your back. Even if you don’t feel it at first, you may feel
it later.
The spine can be divided into three distinct areas: cervical
vertebrae (neck), thoracic vertebrae (upper back), and lumbar vertebrae (lower
back). Each section of the spinal cord and its vertebrae are surrounded by
discs, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves, which if damaged can cause anywhere
from mild to excruciating pain.
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Thoracic Spine Injuries
The thoracic spine, the upper and middle
back, connects to the ribs and chest region. It joins the cervical spine and
extends down about five inches past the bottom of the shoulder blades, where it
connects with the lumbar spine. Sprains and fractures in this area are
primarily caused by high velocity auto accidents, and may result in permanent
nerve damage.
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Lumbar Spine Injuries
The lumbar spine is comprised of the five
largest vertebrae and the strongest of the muscles necessary to provide
stability for the spine. Therefore, a sprain or strain to the lumbar spine can
prove to be particularly painful. A sprain involves actual damage to the
ligaments, while a strain is a stretching of the ligaments, tendons, or
muscles. Either injury may result in limited movement, swelling, bruising,
tenderness, and may severely impact the person’s ability to perform daily
activities.
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Herniated Discs
Discs are the cushions that separate the
vertebrae and protect the spine. A herniated disc occurs when a disc is
displaced. The herniated disc usually places pressure on the spinal cord or its
surrounding nerves. Sudden and intense pain in the lower region of the back and
numbness in the legs are the most commonly reported symptoms.
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Spinal Cord Injuries
The most serious back injuries involve the
spinal cord. Such injuries range from bruising or excessive pressure to
permanent damage to the spinal cord and nerves, leading to long-term
disability. Spinal cord injuries often result in total or partial paralysis,
loss of feeling in certain areas of the body, and loss of reflex function.
Oftentimes, certain back injuries require short-term,
temporary treatment such as pain medication, injections for inflammation,
physical therapy, and chiropractic care. For more serious back injuries,
surgery is required. No matter the injury, it is unfortunate when it occurs. So
the best way to try to avoid this from happening to you, is to make sure you
always have your seat belt on and drive cautiously. A seat belt may not only
save your life, but could save you from serious injury as well.
If you or someone you know has been
involved in a car crash or truck accident in Detroit, Grand Rapids, Warren,
Sterling Heights, Lansing, Flint, Ann Arbor, Livonia, Dearborn, Canton,
Westland, Troy, Farmington Hills, Southfield, Waterford or any other city in
Michigan, make sure to contact Motor City Accident Attorneys by calling
1-800-411-PAIN. Motor City Accident Attorneys know how stressful a car accident
can be and want to help you get back on your feet. They will fight tirelessly
for your rights and help you get the compensation you deserve, according to
your specific case. Make sure to follow Motor City Accident Attorneys on
Twitter (@MCAccidentAtty) and Facebook. Join the conversation by using #MCAA.
