When you have been injured in a Georgia motor vehicle accident, you may face a number of concerns, including acute injuries, property damage and the inability to return to work. Back injuries can be some of the more significant and long-lasting after-effects of an auto collision, requiring ongoing treatment, surgery and rehabilitation in many cases. In some cases, even injuries that initially seem minor may require treatment in order for you to live your life without pain.
What happens in an auto accident
When your car is hit in an accident, your body continues to move until it is stopped by the seatbelt, airbag, steering wheel or other parts off the car. Even if you are buckled in, you can still experience fractures, sprains and other injuries, even when the initial collision appears to be relatively minor.
Symptoms of back injury
You may experience visible injuries, including scrapes, bruises and cuts and feel generally sore from a range of muscle and soft tissue injuries. Certain symptoms may particularly point to a potential back injury, including:
- Burning pain down your back and legs
- Stiffness in the back and neck
- Tingling or numbness in the arms and legs
- Stiffness and difficulty standing and walking
- Sharp pain when sitting or standing
This is not an exhaustive list, however, and only medical professionals can provide decisive information on potential back injuries after a car collision.
Types of car accident back injury
The type of back injury you suffer after a car crash can also vary. One of the most common is a herniated disc. During the crash, discs in your spine can shift, compressing your nerves and causing the inner part of the disc to poke out through the outer part. This can be called a ruptured, herniated, slipped or bulging disc and requires treatment. Other injuries sustained in crashes include:
- Back sprains and strains
- Vertebrae fractures
- Damaged spinal discs and discogenic pain
- Facet joint damage
In order to protect your rights and ability to recover compensation after a collision, it is important to document your injuries. In addition, early detection and treatment of these back injuries can help to ease your recovery after a severe car crash.