{"id":56338,"date":"2020-09-08T08:30:59","date_gmt":"2020-09-08T13:30:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.terrybryant.com\/?p=56338"},"modified":"2023-08-10T04:21:44","modified_gmt":"2023-08-10T09:21:44","slug":"how-car-accidents-can-cause-spinal-injuries","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.terrybryant.com\/how-car-accidents-cause-spinal-injuries","title":{"rendered":"How Car Accidents Can Cause Spinal Injuries"},"content":{"rendered":"

The most common cause of spinal injuries is motor vehicle accidents, which account for almost half of new cases annually. How car accidents can cause spinal injuries depends upon the details of the accident. Speed, the location and angle of the crash, the size and weight of the vehicles involved, and other things influence what kind of spinal injury might occur. <\/p>

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One of the most common injuries is whiplash when a car is hit from the rear. In a whiplash accident, the neck is jerked quickly back and forth. Whiplash can injure bones and discs in the spine. It can also harm ligaments and tissues. Other common injuries from car accidents include spinal fractures, ruptured discs, and facet joint damage. Facet joints connect the vertebrae in the spine. <\/p>\n

People who experience a serious spinal injury<\/a> can be paralyzed. An injury to the upper spinal cord can cause quadriplegia, or paralysis of the arms, legs, and body. An injury lower on the spinal cord can cause paraplegia, which is paralysis of the legs and lower body. Other injuries can cause limited movement, chronic pain, and other harm. <\/p>\n

Now That You Know How Car Accidents Can Cause Spinal Injuries, What Should You Do If You Think You Have One?<\/h2>\n

If you\u2019ve been in a car crash and think you could have a spinal injury, see a doctor right away. Even if you feel like you only \u201ctweaked\u201d your neck or back, have the injury checked out. According to the Mayo Clinic<\/a>, people who experience significant trauma to their head or neck need to be immediately evaluated for possible spinal injuries. They should assume they have one until tests prove otherwise. <\/p>\n

If you don\u2019t have your spinal injury treated right away, it can become much worse. While it is necessary for your own well-being to get medical help, seeing a doctor after a car accident is also important for an insurance claim or possible legal claim. <\/p>\n

Signs of a Spinal Cord Injury Caused by a Car Accident<\/h2>\n

There are some signs and symptoms of a spinal cord injury caused by a car accident that can be a medical emergency. They include:<\/p>\n