The back is an intricate structure of bones, muscles, and other tissues extending from your neck to your pelvis. We all know people who have complained about an aching back and it is easy to look at these complaints as just a complaint and not a serious injury. Back injuries can result from sports injuries, work around the house or in the garden, or any sudden impact such as a car accident. The lower back is one of the most common sites of back injuries and back pain.
When you have been in a car accident there are issues of speed and force that impact your back. The human body is fragile when it is subjected to the speed and force it is not surprising that there are back injuries in a high percentage of car accidents.
The most common back injury is a sprain and/or strain as well as herniated discs. A sprain is a stretched or torn ligament. Ligaments are tissues that connect bones at a joint. Falling, twisting, or getting hit can all cause a sprain. Symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising and being unable to move your joint. You might feel a pop or tear when the injury happens. A strain is a stretched or torn muscle or tendon. Tendons are tissues that connect muscle to bone. Twisting or pulling these tissues can cause a strain. Strains can happen suddenly or develop over time. Back and hamstring muscle strains are common. Symptoms are similar to a sprain but include trouble moving the muscle.
The spine which is made up of 26 bones called vertebrae and in between them are soft disks filled with a jelly-like substance. These disks cushion the vertebrae and keep them in place. A herniated disk is a disk that slips out of place or ruptures. If it presses on a nerve, it can cause intense pain. Symptoms include muscle spasms or muscle weakness, pain that spreads to the buttocks and legs when the injured disk is in the lower back or neck, shoulder and upper arm pain when the injury is in the upper back. Tingling or numbness is another symptom.
Unfortunately, most treatment herniated disc is temporary. Surgery is often the only option. Open and frank discussions with your doctor will ensure you get the treatment that is best for you.
Mike Schafer is an accident attorney in Louisville, Kentucky. For additional information go to mikeschaferlaw.com.
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Paul d’Oliveira
Attorney Paul d’Oliveira has been practicing personal injury and disability law for over 30 years. He started his personal injury law practice in 1989 with two offices in Fall River, MA and East Providence, RI. Today his firm has 16 offices in RI and Southeastern, MA.
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