Car accidents can cause a variety of injuries, including those to the spine. The spine, made up of bones called vertebrae, surrounds and protects the spinal cord and nerves. Georgia car accident victims should be aware of the types of spine injuries as they can lead to chronic pain and limited mobility.
Whiplash
Whiplash is a neck injury that occurs when the head is suddenly jerked forward and then backward. This type of injury is common in car accidents and can cause damage to the soft tissues, including the muscles, ligaments and tendons in the neck. Symptoms of whiplash include neck pain, stiffness, headaches and fatigue.
Herniated disc
A herniated disk occurs when the soft center of a spinal disk bulges out and presses on a nerve. This can cause pain, numbness and weakness in the arms and legs.
Fractured vertebrae
A vertebral fracture is a break in one of the bones of the spine. This type of injury can lead to chronic pain, spinal cord damage and limited mobility.
Spinal stenosis
Spinal stenosis is a condition that occurs when the spinal canal narrows, putting pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. This can lead to pain, weakness and numbness in the legs.
Spinal cord injury
A spinal cord injury is damage to the spinal cord that can result in loss of movement and sensation. Spinal cord injuries can be complete or incomplete and can range from a mild injury to a total loss of function.
Sprained ligament
Sprained ligament occurs when the ligament that connects the bones of the spine is stretched or torn. This can lead to pain, stiffness and limited mobility.
Don’t overlook spine injury symptoms
It’s important to note that some of these injuries may not be immediately noticeable after an accident, so it’s essential to obtain a diagnosis if you’re involved in a car accident. If you experience symptoms such as pain, numbness or weakness, you may have a spine injury that requires attention.
