The human spine is a fascinating yet complicated structure. It does so much, and for the most part, is very strong.
But in an accident, the jar of sudden impact can render it vulnerable and results in serious personal injury from the base of the skull to the lower lumbar region.
Here’s a synopsis of some of the most common neck and back injuries:
Neck Injuries
It’s easy to see how these injuries come about. The sudden impact and jerking movements as a result of that impact causes our bodies to react and move in all sorts of ways and usually not together. With the neck being the connector between the body and head, it literally whips as a result of this, which can cause damage to the vertebrae or discs.
Thoracic Spine Injuries
Injuries in this location are not very common, but when they do happen, it’s often pretty serious. The thoracic region is the chest, rib, and mid-back area. Injuries here usually occur as the result of an accident at very high speeds. The injuries may involve nerve damage, often permanent, as the result of a crushing type injury.
Lumbar Spine Injuries
Injuries to the lumbar spine are more common in auto accidents than thoracic injuries. These injuries can include strains and sprains to the muscles and ligaments of the back. The symptoms that accompany these injuries are soreness, swelling, and point tenderness.
Personal injury to your back, neck, and spine are usually apparent right after an accident, but in many cases, they aren’t. Symptoms can show up anywhere from hours after an accident to days or even weeks after the accident.
It’s important to get prompt medical attention after an auto accident to know what you’re in for. It’s also important that you have a Georgia lawyer on your side to get you the right compensation.
