Head, Neck, and Back Injuries After a Car Accident

After a car accident, victims can suffer a multitude of injuries. Neck, head, and back injuries are some of the most common. When you are hit by another car, the force behind the impact is such that your body, and your head, back, and neck in specific, are quickly thrust back and forth. This violent thrashing isn’t natural and it can be immensely harmful to your body. 

There are sections to the spine including the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral regions and they are all made up of bones called vertebrae. In the cervical section, seven vertebrae begin at the base of the neck. The thoracic region has twelve vertebrae and spans from the upper portion of the back through the middle back. The lumbar region is the lowest part of the spine and is made up of five vertebrae. The lumbar region flows right into the sacrum, a fused section of vertebrae that joins the spinal column with the hips. 

Within the vertebrae house the spinal cord. These nerves are highly sensitive and important to the functioning of the body. The bones in the spine are the protection these nerves have and when they are broken or disrupted the spinal cord is affected. The results can be injuries that range from mild numbness in parts of the body to full paralysis, and in some cases, death.

What Are The Most Common Spinal Injuries After A Car Accident?

Sprains and strains to the neck are some of the most common that occur in the aftermath of an accident. That sharp thrusting back and forth of the upper body in a collision wreaks havoc on the muscles around the spine, overstretching them or even causing tears. Whiplash is such an injury where there is an intense burden on the neck. 

Other injuries and damages can include chronic headaches, coma, herniated discs, bulging discs, and traumatic brain disorder. Many people will interchange herniated discs and bulging discs but, there are differences. The discs provide cushioning between each vertebra. The outer layer can bulge out due to age or due to injury. When a disc bulges the whole perimeter of the disc isn’t always affected and for the most part, a bulging disc won’t cause pain. A herniated disc, on the other hand, will have the softer, inner cartilage protrude through a crack in the outer layer. Herniated discs are also known as ruptured or slip discs. Herniated discs tend to cause more pain to the victim. In a herniated disc, the protrusions are much more intense and the nerve roots can be affected which results in discomfort.

Recouping Costs Associated With Medical Expenses After An Accident In Arizona

Any of these head, neck, and back injuries are going to require a medical diagnosis and treatment plan. Long-term treatment and therapy may be necessary and the costs to the victim are expensive. The Phoenix car accident attorneys at ELG know how fast medical expenses can add up for victims. We will fight aggressively on your behalf so that you obtain a fair settlement for the injuries and trauma you had to endure after your accident.

After an accident where you are injured, the Arizona serious injury attorneys at ELG will help you see your full legal justice.

We have locations in both Phoenix and Mesa, Arizona for your convenience. Either of our locations can be reached at 623-562-3838. Call us today to set up a free consultation, we look forward to hearing about your accident experience.