Types of Back Injuries Caused by Auto Accidents

Car accidents can cause chronic pain and permanent disability – even when they are relatively minor. Back pain can come on suddenly after a car accident, or it can develop slowly over the next several days.

Car accident-induced back injuries can easily turn into a debilitating and chronic condition—especially if not treated properly. In order to obtain the correct amount of compensation after a car accident, it is important to understand your injury and the long-effects it can have on your life. Please call our experienced Denver car accident attorneys at Fuicelli & Lee at 303-355-7202 to get started with a free evaluation of your case.

Acute Back Pain vs. Chronic Back Pain

Acute back pain lasts from a few days to a few weeks and is generally the result of trauma. Chronic back pain persists for more than three months. Chronic back pain is progressive and can be difficult to diagnose. Most minor back injuries are caused by lifting or twisting, or from overuse of muscles and ligaments in the back. This can occur during relatively minor car accidents.

Severe injuries can be caused by a fall from a significant height, a major sports-related injuries, serious motor vehicle accidents, or direct blows to the spine.

Herniated Discs

Essentially, a herniated disc is a problem with the cushioning pads between the vertebrae. The spinal discs have a softer center within a tougher exterior. A herniated disc is sometimes called a slipped disc or a ruptured disk and occurs when the softer center pushes through a crack in the tougher exterior of the disc. Disc herniation can cause irritation to nearby nerves, resulting in weakness, numbness or pain in the arms or legs. Most herniated discs occur in the lower back or neck.

Bulging Discs

The vast majority of bulging discs occur in the lower back and can be responsible for sciatic nerve pain which radiates through the buttocks, down the back of the leg, and even into the foot. Protecting the back while lifting, maintaining a healthy weight and good posture and exercising regularly can help guard against bulging discs.

Spinal Fractures

Spinal fractures can cause debilitating spinal cord damage; depending on the severity of the injury, the patient may experience pain, difficult walking, or an inability to move the arms or legs (paralysis). While minor fractures can heal with treatment (rest and bracing), more severe fractures can require surgery to realign the bones.

Soft Tissue Back Injuries

There are numerous muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the lower and middle back. These connect to the hips and the sacrum and can affect nearly every movement you make. Back pain which originates in the soft tissue of the back will generally respond to conservative, non-surgical treatment such as pain medication, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, heat and cold therapy, deep tissue massage, physical therapy, strengthening exercises and limited rest.

Contact Our Legal Team

If you or someone you love has sustained a back injury in a car accident, you need an experienced back injury attorney on your side to protect your rights. Contact the Denver personal injury lawyers of Fuicelli & Lee for a free case evaluation. You pay nothing unless you receive a financial settlement or award. Call our office at 303-355-7202 or fill out our confidential contact form.