The Types of Back Injuries You Could Sustain in a Car Accident in St. Louis
St. Louis, the city with the largest metropolitan area in Missouri, has plenty of things to see and do. From the Saint Louis Art Museum to the Missouri Botanical Garden, the independent city has something for everyone. But like other cities in the US, St. Louis has a car accident problem.
Car accidents can cause serious injuries, especially to the back. The impact of a car accident can jolt and twist your body in unnatural ways, leading to potential back injuries that could result in long-term pain and discomfort.
In this guide, we will discuss the different types of back injuries that can be sustained in a car accident.
We will also explore how these injuries can affect your daily life and why it is important to seek legal representation from experienced back injury attorneys in St. Louis.
Let’s get started!
Types of Back Injuries
- Whiplash
Whiplash is a common injury that occurs when your neck and head are suddenly jerked back and forth, mimicking the motion of a whip. This sudden motion can strain or tear the muscles, ligaments, and tendons in your neck, leading to pain and stiffness.
According to the National Institute of Health, whiplash is the most common injury reported in car accidents. Symptoms may not appear until a few days after the accident and can include:
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Difficulty concentrating
In some cases, whiplash can also lead to chronic pain and long-term disability.
- Herniated Discs
A herniated disc is a type of back injury that occurs when the soft cushion between your vertebrae slips out of place and puts pressure on nearby nerves. The impact of a car accident or sudden twisting motion can cause a disc to rupture or bulge, resulting in severe pain and numbness in the affected area.
Symptoms of a herniated disc may include:
- Shooting pain down the arms or legs
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the limbs
- Muscle spasms
Treatment for this type of back injury may include physical therapy, pain medication, and, in severe cases, surgery.
- Spinal Fractures
A spinal fracture is a break in one or more of the bones in your spine. This type of back injury can be caused by the forceful impact of a car accident or compression from sudden jolts or twists.
Symptoms may include:
- Back pain that worsens with movement
- Difficulty standing or walking
- Numbness or tingling in the limbs
Treatment for spinal fractures may involve immobilization with a back brace, physical therapy, and surgery if necessary.
The Impact on Daily Life
Back injuries sustained in car accidents can have a significant impact on your daily life. Depending on the severity and type of injury, you may experience chronic pain, limited mobility, and difficulty performing everyday tasks.
In addition to physical limitations, these injuries can also lead to emotional distress, such as anxiety and depression. The financial burden of medical bills and lost wages due to time off work can also add additional stress.
Seeking Legal Help in St. Louis
If you have sustained a back injury in a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence, it is important to seek legal representation from an experienced back injury lawyer. These professionals can help you navigate the complex legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Compensation may include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages and future earning potential
- Pain and suffering
Don’t let a car accident and resulting back injury negatively impact your life. Seek legal help to ensure that you receive the necessary support and resources for your recovery. Contact a back injury lawyer today to discuss your case and options for seeking compensation.
