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Neck and spinal injuries caused by car accidents

On Behalf of | May 25, 2023 | Car Accident

Florida residents don’t expect to drive and get into a car accident, but these incidents are often unpredictable. When an accident does occur and a person is hurt, there are a variety of injuries they can sustain.

Whiplash

Whiplash is a soft tissue injury that affects the neck and spine. One of the chief causes of this injury is motor vehicle accidents. It develops when a person’s head and neck are rapidly thrust forward while the rest of the body stays still. Often, a person feels fine immediately after an accident when they’ve suffered whiplash, but a few hours or days later, they begin to feel soreness in the neck.

Herniated discs

Herniated discs are also common injuries from car accidents. When one vehicle collides with another, the impact can cause a jolt to a person’s spine and cause a disc within the vertebrae to become displaced or even break. This results in significant pain in the neck due to the lack of cushioning in the affected area.

Thoracic spinal cord injury

A thoracic spinal cord injury affects the upper and middle areas of the spine. A person can suffer this injury after a car crash and could be left paralyzed or dealing with a compression fracture. In the case of the latter type of thoracic spinal cord injury, a brace and rehab could help the person heal.

Spinal stenosis

Certain people are more susceptible to spinal stenosis after a car accident. Those who have weakening of the spine due to previous trauma or osteoporosis are more likely to develop it. Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spine that can lead to weakness, numbness and pain.

Neck and spinal injuries can be permanent or temporary, but they always adversely affect your life. Seeking medical attention after a car accident is crucial to your recovery.