Auto accidents can happen in an instant, causing confusion, anger, and worry. Unfortunately, the injuries resulting from auto accidents can make surreal moments become a major—and unfortunate—part of reality. Back injuries are one of the most common types of injuries we see with clients in Metro Detroit and throughout Michigan following an auto, truck, or motorcycle accident.
How Car Accidents Cause Back Pain
There are about 1.2 million documented cases of whiplash each year in the United States. Hospitals in the U.S. treat nearly 870,000 cases of cervical spine injuries annually. Many of those happen because of an auto or truck accident.
Back pain from an auto accident is caused by the amount of force placed upon the spine following a large impact. Since a driver’s seat has limited space, the force is confined to a smaller area, abruptly stopping the momentum. The brisk power of the force puts pressure on the injured person’s back and neck.
Back pain after an auto accident can be instantaneous but delayed back pain after an injury can also occur. Pain can last anywhere from a single week to a lifetime. This pain can have a disastrous impact on the quality of life for the victim, which can make it difficult to work or put any stress on your back.
Auto Accident Back Injuries
A “back injury” can be an ambiguous term, ranging from pinched nerves to paralysis. Back pain following an auto accident can take many forms, having a severe impact(s) along the spine.
The spine is made up of 33 vertebrae. All vertebrae are categorized into five main spinal regions:
- Cervical: the neck region is responsible for the joints that allow us to nod yes or shakes our heads
- Thoracic: the mid-back region is responsible for holding the rib cage to protect our lungs and heart
- Lumbar: The lower back consists of larger vertebrae to absorb stress on our bodies
- Sacrum: connects our spine and hip bones (called iliac bones)
- Coccyx region: the fused bones at the base of our spine attach muscles and ligaments to the pelvic floor. The everyday term for coccyx is our tailbone.
Common injuries experienced because of an auto, truck, or motorcycle accidents are called sudden, or acute, injuries. The injuries most often are a result of a strain or a tear in muscles and ligaments that support the spine.
It is true that whiplash is a common occurrence – and even reason for– back injuries after an auto accident. However, there are many injuries that can happen to your back after an auto accident. Again, we encourage you to seek medication attention after your accident to get a proper diagnosis.
Back Pain After an Auto Accident: What to Do If Someone Is Injured
It’s crucial not to move the injured person. Moving them could result in permanent paralysis. Take these steps if you are on the scene of an auto accident and someone appears to have suffered a back injury:
- Call 911
- Make sure the person does not move or try to move on their own.
- Place towels beside their neck or hold the head in place to create stability and prevent movement.
Contact the Best Spinal Injury Attorney
Spinal injuries can impact your mental, emotional, physical, social, and financial wellbeing. The spine is a crucial component of our daily functioning and sustaining injuries can result in permanent damage. You may experience severe pain and suffering after an auto accident spinal injury, and you should seek the compensation you deserve if someone else is at fault.
If you or a loved one has been involved in an auto accident that has resulted in a back injury, contact the team at Bashore Green. We’re here to help you every step of the way.