It is easy for vehicle occupants and pedestrians to sustain spinal cord injuries in a car accident because the spine provides structural support for the human body. Spinal cord injuries can be devastating because they can interfere with the central nervous system. They can also have long-lasting effects on a person’s mobility, sensation and overall quality of life.
Understanding the types of spinal cord injuries that can result from car accidents is important for prevention, timely diagnosis and effective treatment. What types of spinal injuries can be caused by car accidents?
Whiplash-associated spinal injuries
Whiplash is a prevalent spinal cord injury in car accidents because it occurs when the head is vigorously thrown back and forth. Such abrupt forward and backward motion can be caused by rear-end collisions. Many accident survivors who sustain whiplash may have to deal with soft tissue damage. However, some survivors can sustain severe whiplash, which involves injuries to the cervical spine (neck area).
Severe whiplash happens when rapid movement strains or tears ligaments, damages vertebrae or compresses the spinal cord. Common symptoms of severe whiplash include intense neck pain, numbness, tingling and, in extreme cases, partial paralysis. If left untreated, these injuries can develop into chronic pain or long-term complications.
Herniated discs
A herniated or slipped disc occurs when an intervertebral disc is forced out through its tougher outer layer. Car accidents often involve sudden, high-impact forces that may cause such injuries. In a car accident, an intervertebral disc can be herniated in the cervical, thoracic or lumbar regions of the spine. The herniated disc can compress nearby nerves or the spinal cord itself, resulting in pain, weakness or numbness. In some cases, herniated discs require surgical intervention to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and restore function.
Fractured vertebrae
Fractures in the vertebrae are a common outcome of high-speed collisions or rollovers. Due to the force of a crash’s impact, the bones of the spine may crack, shatter or become displaced. The specific types of fractures individuals can sustain, which vary in severity, include compression fractures, burst fractures and fracture-dislocations.
A fractured vertebra can cause neurological deficits such as localized pain or paralysis. Early spine stabilization is important in such cases and may help prevent further damage and enable effective treatment.
Car accident survivors can sustain a wide array of spinal cord injuries that require intensive medical care. With the help of legal guidance, survivors may be able to hold at-fault parties accountable and receive the compensation they need to cover medical costs.