Car accidents and injuries can lead to painful spine conditions. Unfortunately, spine injuries are common in car accident victims and can easily go undiagnosed. Here, we’ll discuss the types of spine injuries that can occur after a car accident, as well as what you can do to receive the proper care for a spine injury.
Types of Spine Injuries Caused by Accidents
Whiplash
Whiplash is one of the most commonly seen spinal injuries after an auto accident. This injury impacts the cervical spine, or neck area, and happens when the neck is forced into a fast backward and forward motion. This sudden, severe movement injures the surrounding tissues and can lead to a wide variety of symptoms. Not all cases of whiplash trigger the same symptoms, but common examples include:
- Pain in the neck, shoulder, and/or lower back
- Stiffness in the neck
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Numbness and/or pain in the hand or arm
- Ringing in the ears
- Sleep disturbances
- Headaches
- Trouble focusing
- Memory problems
- Depression
Spinal Fracture
Spinal fractures occur in the vertebrae and can happen when the body is jerked suddenly in a car accident. This injury can vary in severity and typically causes pain that’s exacerbated with movement. Symptoms typically also include numbness, weakness, and/or diminished bladder control.
Herniated Disc
In between the vertebrae of the spine, there are small discs that absorb shock. The spinal discs are tough on the outside and have a soft interior. A herniated disc is a spine injury that leads to the soft interior of a spinal disc pushing out through a crack in the outside of the disc. The ruptured disc then presses into the nerves around the spine, causing symptoms such as pain, tingling or numbness, and muscle weakness.
Treatment
After a car accident, it’s in your best interest to get seen by a medical professional ASAP. At Florida Spine & Injury Institute of Lakeland, we’ll complete a thorough evaluation to identify any injury resulting from the accident, including soft tissue injuries that usually aren’t found by hospitals. Contact us today to book an appointment.
