The human back comprises bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, and nerves. It also accommodates the spine, which is one of the most delicate parts of your body. You may experience severe pain, weakness, or even disability when your back is injured.
The impact of a car accident in Texas, even a minor fender bender, can cause serious injuries to your back. This is because your back absorbs most of the force and pressure from a collision. Below are three types of back injuries you may sustain after a car crash.
1. Whiplash
Whiplash is one of the most typical back injuries you can suffer after a car accident in Texas, especially if you were rear-ended. This injury occurs when the neck suddenly jerks back and forward. The rapid movement strains the neck muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
While you may experience pain around the cervical spine, whiplash also causes chronic back pain. If not treated, you may be at risk of long-term complications in the neck and back.
2. Herniated disc
Your spine has discs that cushion the vertebrae. These discs can slip out of place or rupture during a car accident. A disc rupture is usually painless, but once they compress a nerve in the cervical or lumbar spine, you may experience significant pain.
3. Spinal cord injuries
Damage to any part of your spine or spinal canal nerves can be very serious and often causes permanent changes in sensation or strength and affects body functions below the injured site. Sometimes, injuries to your spinal cord can cause partial or total paralysis. Further, depending on the extent of the injury or the treatment you receive, you might suffer secondary health problems, like blood clots, infection, spinal fluid leaks, and pneumonia.
Living with chronic back pain after a car accident in Texas can disrupt your life and derail your productivity. The sooner you have your back injuries treated, the better. Because medical bills associated with a back injury can skyrocket, it’s crucial that you seek legal guidance before filing an insurance claim.