How do you get back pain after an accident?

There are many cases of back pain as a result of accidents due to other people’s negligence, often from car accidents that could have been avoided if the drivers were sober, not overtaking and using the pinched nerve diagramlegal speed.

Such accidents can result in severe effects to the victim such as constant back pain.

In such a case, you need a personal injury attorney that can help you get the compensation you deserve especially since it may be difficult dealing with insurance companies when it comes to a back pain accident claim.

Injuries that cause back pain

Back injuries are the most common types of injuries incurred in either head-on, side-impact or rear-end car accidents. Back injuries can take the form of

  • mild sprains
  • bruises
  • fractured vertebrate
  • disk herniation
  • and spinal cord damage
  • compression fractures

Accidents resulting in such injuries are often caused by driver’s fatigue, distraction, recklessness or even intoxication. Medical treatments for such injuries are very expensive. In such instances, the questions that often arise are who caused the accident and who’s insurance will pay for the damages.

How back pain occurs in car accidents

Most cars today come with seat belts and airbags to help minimize the effects in times of an accident, however,  injuries still occur. The back is often the first target when it comes to injuries in an accident. This is because the back is made up of inter-connected parts such as muscles, tendons, ligaments and spinal cords. In times of an accident therefore, it is easier for one or two parts to be affected resulting back pains. The back is very sensitive and if not treated in a timely fashion can result in  more problems in the future. Symptoms that indicate your back is injured include pain up or down your legs, weakening muscles, numbness in your extremities and general back pain.

Types of back injuries

(a) Herniated and bulging disks

There are 23 discs in the vertebra that sit between 24 vertebrae. During an impact, one or more discs are prone to becoming herniated or bulged. Herniation occurs when the disc breaks open while disc bulging occurs when a disc is thrust out of its original place.

(b) Soft tissue bruising and tearing

This happens when during the impact, the ligaments, soft tissue, tendons or muscles surrounding the vertebra stretch or tear. It affects many nerve ends leading to pain in the back.

(c) Compression fractures

This occurs when the impact causes the front part of the vertebra and spine to compresses downwards and with compression the vertebra fractures.

(d) Axial bursts

The force of the impact causes a number of the vertebrae in the cervical and lumbar areas to disintegrate. This results in loss of mass in the cervical and lumbar ends of the vertebrae.

(e) Dislocation fractures

They occur when one or more vertebrae fracture causing soft tissues from other areas move into the damaged area.

Types of treatments for back pain

  • Regular medication

The most sought after treatment for soft tissue back injuries are over the counter pain medications. However, in severe cases stronger narcotic pain relievers may be prescribed. Doctors recommend physical therapy and bed rest in cases of soft tissue injuries such as sprains, strains, slight tearing of ligaments, tendons and muscles.  Going to a chiropractor is a good way to deal with back pain injury rather than medication.

  • Laminectomy

The patient undergoes surgery and a part of the damaged vertebrae known as lamina is removed. To relieve pain and discomfort the damaged disc materials are also removed.

  • Spinal fusion

This is a spinal fusion surgery that involves joining of two or more vertebrae together.

  • Artificial disc replacement

This happens when one or more discs are severely damaged. The surgeon substitutes the damaged discs with an artificial disc replacement.

  • Micro discectomy

Pain is stopped by removing the damaged disc material pressing against the nerve endings.

Todd Peterson, Oregon accident attorney on the telephone

Want to talk to me about your case?

I want to help you get all the money you deserve for your back pain injury accident, so call me at 503-280-0888 now or please fill out this short form.

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