Car crashes can cause many different types of injuries, depending on the area of the body that’s affected by the force of a wreck. Some of the injuries that occur impact the lower back, which can greatly impact a victim’s life.
The lumbar region of the back, which consists of the five vertebrae in the lower back, is the area of the spine that bears the most weight and is the most flexible. Injuries to this area can range from minor to catastrophic. Immediate medical care is critical in many of these cases. Some common injuries that might occur include the following.
Lumbar sprains and strains
Lower back sprains and strains are among the most frequent injuries in car wrecks. They occur when the ligaments or muscles in the lower back are overstretched or torn due to sudden movement. Symptoms include pain, swelling and reduced mobility.
Herniated discs
The lumbar spine’s discs can be compressed and ruptured or “herniated” during a car accident. This may lead to the disc’s inner gel-like substance pushing out, which can cause intense pain, numbness and weakness. The pain might be more intense if the herniated disc presses on a nerve.
Spondylolisthesis
This condition occurs when a vertebra is displaced due to a stress fracture in the bone from the trauma of a car accident. Depending on the severity of the displacement, it can compress nerves, leading to pain, numbness or even difficulty walking.
Spinal fractures
The force of a collision can cause fractures in the vertebrae of the lower back. Compression fractures, where the vertebrae are crushed, are particularly common. Depending on the fracture’s location and severity, symptoms can range from mild pain to severe mobility issues.
Victims of car wrecks who suffer lower back injuries may need urgent medical care. This can be costly because necessary care may include doctor visits, rehabilitation and sometimes surgery. Victims are generally empowered to seek compensation to recover the financial damages related to crashes caused by another’s negligence. This must be done swiftly, so working with a legal representative who can assist with getting a case built up and filed is generally wise.