Whether it is a minor collision or a major wreck, a car accident can leave lasting effects on your body. If you are involved in a car accident that is not your fault, California negligence laws allow you to pursue the liable party for the resulting economic and non-economic damages.
One of the injuries you can sustain during a car wreck is an injury to the neck and back. Depending on the nature and severity of the impact, these injuries can range from minor strains to catastrophic ones like a broken spine.
So how do back injuries happen during a car crash?
Most neck and back injuries that are linked to a car wreck are caused by a sharp back-and-forth motion (commonly known as whiplash) that is triggered by the force of impact. After the accident, you can feel the effects of whiplash from your neck all the way down your spine.
Here are some of the common neck and back injuries that you can sustain during a car crash:
1. Lumbar sprains
Are you experiencing back pain that you cannot pinpoint after a car crash? This could be a sign of a lumbar sprain. This injury happens when the crash’s sudden force damages the muscles and the tissues in the lower back area. Lumbar sprains are particularly common during rear-end collisions.
2. Spinal stenosis
An undiagnosed and treated back injury can develop into a condition known as spinal stenosis. Basically, this refers to the narrowing of the channel that houses the spinal cord. This is a progressive condition that worsens with time. Spinal stenosis majorly affects the neck and the lumbar region.
3. Thoracic spine injuries
This is a common term that refers to fractures or disc herniation. Depending on the area of impact, these injuries can lead to paralysis.
Back injuries that are attributable to a car accident can be life-altering. Find out how you can safeguard your rights and interests while pursuing damages following a car crash that is not your fault.