Every year, millions of people around the world come across a car accident either major or minor. Many people have complained about experiencing back or neck pain post-accident sooner or later. Car accidents are unfortunate events and the force that goes along can be even more damaging. When we talk about the neck or back, these areas are more prone to damage.
As the car collides, the inertia of the divergent force pushes everything and everyone in the same direction. The jerking movement is frequently referred to as whiplash. Some of the injuries from car accidents in Snellville appear right after the accident, while others can take longer even a few months or years. Whether you are experiencing a minor or major injury, it’s important to consult a doctor right away and seek medical care. Here we have discussed a few common conditions or injuries associated with a spine that needs urgent attention.
Discogenic Lumbar Pain
When we talk about lower back pain conditions, Discogenic lumbar pain is certainly the most common one. The pain occurs if the spinal discs are affected. The spinal discs are curved cartilage pieces that function as a cushioning mechanism between every bone of the spine. They allow for improved movement and stability. If one or more of your spinal disc is damaged, you will experience intense pain. This pain occurs when the spinal discs come across an acute trauma or slowly weaken over time. Most people experience Discogenic lumbar pain in the lower spine area as mentioned above. Conditions contributing to this pain commonly include degenerative spinal disorder, spinal stenosis, and lumbar sprains.
Disc Herniation
You will probably suffer from herniated disc condition if the gelatinous material of the spinal disc is forced out through the inflexible external layer. When the fluid is pressed against the delicate nerve roots, it will cause pain. The condition commonly occurs in older patients who are experiencing disc degeneration already. On the other hand, it can be caused by the intense pressure exerted on the spinal disc primarily because of a traumatic accident.
In case of severe pain, you can visit your nearby neurosurgery clinic. It may help you to imporve your medical consition. Herniated disc is one of the most common problems for which your neurosurgery clinic can handle. If you’re in Miami, you can contact Ceda Orthopedic Group where you can get professional advice from experienced doctors.
Lumbar Sprains
Lumber being a sensitive region can be affected if an external force is exerted on the back. The condition is commonly referred to as a lumbar sprain. The unexpected car collision can excessively stretch the ligaments, tendons, and muscles of the back. This sudden and excessive stretching is known as sprain or strain. You might not be able to figure out these injuries. Therefore, it’s important to consult a doctor and undergo a detailed physical examination. If left untreated can further worsen your back condition and increases the severity of pain.
Spinal Stenosis
The term stenosis is referred to as irregular contraction of a body channel. If you are experiencing spinal stenosis that means there is an abnormal narrowing of the channel that accommodates the spinal nerves and spinal cord. In many cases, a broken bone piece or the disc can enter the spinal canal and exert pressure on the nerves causing critical pain.
Facet Joint Disease
Facet joints allow flexibility and movement in the back. These joints are closely connected with cartilage that might be affected in an unfortunate accident. The condition can occur in case of significant trauma such as whiplash. The facet joints in the backbone begin to degenerate at a point where it causes pain. The intensity of pain varies from one individual to another. It mostly depends on the position of the degenerated joint and the degree of harm. If more force is exerted that means you will probably suffer from serious pain.
How about Emotional Impact?
When we talk about car accidents, our primary focus is on physical injuries. While it’s crucial to seek immediate medical care for your physical health, focusing on emotional wellbeing is important as well. At times, many physical symptoms are delayed post-accident. Also, it can be very challenging to identify the emotional effects as well.
One common condition is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) associated with other emotional effects as well. The trauma symptoms might not be obvious to understand and therefore many victims often overlook them. For instance, you may feel tired or exhausted and assume that it’s just routine stress. However, you never know it’s a symptom associated with the car experience you have gone through. Here we have listed a few more symptoms of emotional distress that you must consider:
- Difficulty sleeping or insomnia
- Tiredness and concentration problems
- Change in diet routine
- Sudden personality changes or mood swings
- Flashbacks and nightmares
- Panic attacks
- Loss of interest or motivation in life
- Anger or distress
A car accident can result in varied sleep disorders, anxiety or depression, and other related problems. Make sure to consider these concerns seriously along with taking care of your physical health. At the end of the day, all you need and deserve is a healthy life. If you notice any of the symptoms listed above, make sure to pay serious attention to it and consult a doctor as quickly as possible.
Consult an Attorney
We suggest you contact a car accident attorney once you complete your medical diagnosis. The insurance companies will make every effort to keep the compensation minimal. Even if you delay in seeking medical care, the insurer can argue that the injuries are not serious. On the other hand, if you have experienced any delayed symptoms, the insurer will take a look at these symptoms more critically. Make sure to discuss this situation with the doctor as well along with the attorney.
Once they receive the detailed medical documentation, an attorney can better negotiate with the insurer to strengthen your claim. Make sure to communicate every possible detail to the lawyer from medical expenses to routine suffering in order to get well-deserved compensation. Keep in mind many states come with certain limitations when it comes to filing a case. At the same time, when filing a claim it’s important to strictly follow certain rules. To avoid any mistakes throughout this procedure, a professional attorney ensures a smooth and effective process.
Wrapping Up
If you have read this far, you are more likely to understand how important it is to visit a doctor following an unfortunate accident. Typically, rest is one of the best ways to recover injuries, especially from whiplash. Yet, it is always helpful to visit a back specialist in Snellville to make sure your spine and neck are not injured.
Symptoms of spine injury can take a few days, weeks, or even months to appear, still, the initial physical examination can help in identifying any problems. In case you feel there is no injury, undergoing a spinal scan can give you much-needed peace of mind. For any queries regarding back injuries post car accident, feel free to write to us in the comment section below. We would respond to your concerns as quickly as possible.
