Car accidents can be devastating and result in serious injuries, with some of the most common kinds affecting the lower back. Even a low-impact collision can significantly impair your daily activities and livelihood. Back injuries can present immediately upon the force of the impact or, depending on the circumstances, back pain may not appear until days later.
Back injuries can occur to any of the three parts of the spine, including the cervical vertebrae, thoracic vertebrae and the lumbar vertebrae — also known as the lower back. Common car accident injuries that can specifically cause lower back pain include:
- Herniated discs — Discs separate vertebrae and serve to protect the spine. During the impact of a collision, it’s not uncommon for a disc to become displaced and put pressure on the surrounding nerves or spinal cord. This can cause intense pain in the lower back and numbness in the legs.
- Spinal cord injuries — Spinal cord damage can be serious and include a wide array of injuries, including bruising, excessive pressure and even permanent damage. In some cases, spinal cord injuries can also cause paralysis or permanent disability.
- Soft tissue injuries — Soft tissue injuries are some of the most common types of injuries that can be sustained in a car accident. These types of injuries can include bruises, muscle strains, sprains, spasms and whiplash.
- Disc fracture or dislocation — A disc fracture or dislocation can be severe and require a substantial amount of physical rehabilitation and treatment.
After a car accident, it’s critical to seek medical attention right away to rule out the possibility of internal bleeding and other injuries. Your medical provider will be able to diagnose back injuries and other car accident-related injuries through a physical examination, X-rays, MRIs, bone scans and myelograms. Treatment can vary based on the severity of the injury but commonly includes physical therapy, chiropractic care, pain medication and injections. Surgery may be required if the injuries do not respond to treatment.
If you sustained injuries in a car accident that was caused by another party’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation by filing a personal injury action. However, it’s crucial to have an experienced car accident attorney on your side who can ensure you obtain the maximum monetary recovery to which you’re entitled. Frank Charles Miranda, P.A. offers skilled representation and aggressive advocacy for clients in personal injury actions throughout the Tampa area. Call 813-902-3925 or contact us online to schedule a consultation at our Tampa office.