Have you or a loved one been involved in a car accident? The effects of one can lead to a plethora of injuries and illnesses.
Even if you were in another car, the long-term injuries from these car accidents can be debilitating. Road accidents cause millions of deaths every year. However, long-term injuries from car accidents are also problematic.
Even though every person will react to a crash differently, certain back injuries are widespread. If you sit or stand for prolonged periods, it will lead to pain and other problems.
Below are some of the common back injuries from car accidents.
Whiplash
First on the auto accident injuries is the whiplash. Whiplash happens when your neck gets whipped back and forth during a car crash. It’s like when you nod your head, but way more intense.
The forceful movement can strain your neck muscles, tendons, and ligaments, causing pain and discomfort. You might feel like your neck is stiff and sore, and sometimes even get headaches.
Resting and using ice packs can help, but sometimes you might need to see a doctor for treatment. They might suggest exercises or physical therapy to get your neck feeling better.
Sprains and Strains
Sprains happen when the tough bands of tissue, called ligaments, in your back get stretched too much or torn. You can think of ligaments as the “rubber bands” that hold your bones together. When they get damaged, it can make your back feel painful and tender.
Strains, on the other hand, occur when the muscles in your back are stretched too far or torn. Muscles are like the “elastic bands” in your body that help you move. When they get injured, it can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty moving your back.
Symptoms include pain, muscle spasms, swelling, and limited range of motion. Treatment for both injuries depends on the severity of the strain or sprain and may involve icing, anti-inflammatory medication, and physical therapy. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary.
Herniated Disc
Herniated discs are caused when a disc in the spine presses on the nerves, which can cause immense pain and inflammation. This occurs when too much force is placed on the discs which causes them to bulge out of their normal position. The force of the accident can cause a tear in the outer wall of the disc, causing the inner gel-like material to leak out and irritate the nearby nerves.
Symptoms can range from numbness and tingling to sharp burning and electrical shock-like pains.
Compression Fractures
This type of fracture occurs when the pressure on a particular area causes the bone to break, resulting in a curved or squished shape. A vertebral fracture can affect any of the bones in the spine, including the vertebrae, which are the 24 bones that form the spine. When these bones are compressed from a car accident, they may begin to collapse, affecting the shape and stability of the spine.
Facet Joint Injuries
The facet joints are small joints on each side of the vertebrae which allow for movement of the spine. When a traumatic force is applied to the spine, such as in the case of a car accident, the facet joint can be damaged and cause pain and decreased mobility of the spine.
Symptoms of a facet joint injury may include pain at the joint, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. Treatment for this type of injury involves physical therapy, activity modifications, and possibly medications to reduce pain and inflammation. Surgery may be necessary in some cases.
Spondylolisthesis
Spondylolisthesis is a big word that describes what happens when a bone in the spine slips out of its place and moves forward over the one below it. It’s like when one block in a tower of blocks shifts forward.
In car accidents, the impact and force can cause this slippage to occur. When this happens, it can put pressure on the nerves in the back, leading to chronic back pain and discomfort.
Imagine your spine as a bunch of small bones stacked on top of each other like a tower. Sometimes, one of these bones can get out of alignment, and that’s spondylolisthesis. It’s more likely to affect the lower back area.
Sciatica
Sciatica is another common back injury caused by car accidents that can lead to intense pain and discomfort. When the sciatic nerve, a long nerve that runs from the lower back down the legs, gets irritated or pinched, it triggers sciatica. This nerve irritation is often due to pressure from a herniated disc, bone spur, or inflamed muscles.
The pain from sciatica is no joke! It can feel like sharp electric jolts shooting down the leg, making it hard to walk or sit.
Some people also experience tingling or weakness in the affected leg. Sciatica can disrupt daily life and limit mobility.
If you’ve been in a car accident and notice any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to get checked out by a doctor. Early diagnosis and treatment can help manage the pain and prevent further complications.
So, don’t delay seeking medical attention, or visit https://axcessac.com/ for more information on how to deal with these injuries after a car crash. Remember, your health comes first!
The Comprehensive Guide to Back Injuries From Car Accidents
In conclusion, anyone involved in a car accident needs to seek immediate medical attention, even if they are not in immediate pain or discomfort. Many of the common back injuries from car accidents may not manifest until hours, days, or weeks later. Do not delay, get checked out today.
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James Martin is a passionate writer and the founder of OnTimeMagazines & EastLifePro. He loves to write principally about technology trends. He loves to share his opinion on what’s happening in tech around the world.
