Spinal Injury After Car Accident - Common Injuries You Might Suffer

Spinal injury after car accident is a traumatic event that is prevalent, especially in the United States. According to statistics, 12.15 million vehicles were involved in crashes in the United States in 2010, with passenger cars accounting for more than half of that total.

In this article, we'll talk about the most common kinds of spinal cord injuries caused by car accidents. Any damage to the spinal cord or the nerves at the end of the spinal canal is referred to as a spinal cord injury. Changes in strength, sensation, and other functions below the site of injury are often permanent after such an accident.

If you've recently suffered a spinal cord injury, it may appear that every aspect of your life has been impacted. You may experience psychological, emotional, and social consequences as a result of your injury.

Whiplash Injuries

Whiplash is a neck injury brought on by the neck moving forcibly and quickly back and forth, much like a whip. Rear-end car accidents frequently result in whiplash. Whiplash, however, can also be caused by falls, physical abuse, sports accidents, and other traumas.

COPYRIGHT_SPINE: Published on https://spinal-injury.net/spinal-injury-after-car-accident/ by Dr. Bill Butcher on 2022-09-28T04:10:23.032Z

When someone is in a car accident and gets whiplash, it can stretch the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in their neck and back. This can cause excruciating pain and make it hard for them to move.

Whiplash usually causes you to experience pain and stiffness in the neck, loss of range of motion in the neck, blurred vision, ringing in the ears, memory problems, and many other issues.

In some cases, doctors will refer to whiplash as a strain or sprain of the neck. The good news is that most people who have whiplash recover within a few weeks with the help of a treatment plan that includes pain medication and exercise. However, some people experience long-term consequences, such as neck pain.

Spondylolisthesis And Spondylolysis

The term spondylolisthesis (pronounced spohn-di-low-less-THEE-sis) is derived from the Greek words spondylos (spine or vertebra) and listhesis (slipping, sliding, or movement). Spondylolisthesis is a spine instability condition in which the vertebrae move more than they should. A vertebra slips onto the vertebra beneath it.

This injury could put pressure on a nerve and cause pain in the lower back or legs. On the other hand, a spine defect called spondylolysis is a stress fracture or crack in the bones of the spine. Young athletes often have it.

When a car accident happens, the body can be jerked quickly in one direction and then back in another. This can put a lot of pressure on the spine and even lead to a compression fracture anywhere along the spine. This can lead to spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis.

Any and all reasonable medical costs incurred in treating the condition would be covered by the financial compensation for spondylolisthesis brought on by an accident. The cost of any physical therapy, painkillers, etc. would be included in this.

Spinal Stenosis

When the space inside the spine is too small, spinal stenosis occurs. The spinal cord and nerves that pass through the spine may be compressed as a result. The neck and lower back are where spinal stenosis most frequently develops.

Some people who suffer from spinal stenosis might feel discomfort, tingling, numbness, and muscle weakness. Over time, symptoms may deteriorate. When spinal stenosis is really severe, a person may need surgery. Through surgery, more space can be made inside the spine.

This can help relieve the symptoms that come from putting pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. But surgery can't cure arthritis, so back pain from arthritis may keep coming back. Who gets stenosis of the spine? Anyone can get spinal stenosis, but the chances of getting it go up as you get older.

Spinal Cord Injury

People Also Ask

What Happens To Your Spine In A Car Accident?

Another common back injury after a car accident is sprains and strains of the lumbar spine. The force of impact can overstretch or tear the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the lower back. Most sprains and strains cause severe low back pain, muscle tightness, and spasms.

How Long Does A Spinal Injury Take To Heal?

If recovery does happen, it usually depends on how bad and deep the injury was. Most people get better the fastest in the first six months, but some keep getting better for up to one or two years.

Can A Person With Spinal Cord Injury Walk Again?

Many people who have had a spinal cord injury (SCI) can do it, which is good news. There is a chance that someone with SCI will be able to walk again because the spinal cord can change and reorganize itself. This is called neuroplasticity.

Final Thoughts

When a car accident happens, a painful result is a spinal injury. Many scientists believe that advances in research will one day allow spinal cord injuries to be repaired. Research studies are being conducted around the world. Many people with spinal cord injuries can live productive, independent lives with the help of treatments and rehabilitation.

About The Authors

Dr. Bill Butcher - With more than two decades of experience, Dr. Bill Butcher aims to provide a repository for educational materials, sources of information, details of forthcoming events, and original articles related to the medical field and about health subjects that matter to you. His goal is to help make your life better, to help you find your way when faced with healthcare decisions, and to help you feel better about your health and that of your family. Bill received his medical degree at Boston University School of Medicine and spent his entire career helping people find the health and medical information, support, and services they need. His mission is to help millions of people feel fantastic by restoring them to optimal health.