Despite the sensitization efforts of relevant authorities and marked improvements in vehicle safety, car accidents still happen at an alarming frequency across the U.S. With those accidents comes an increased probability of injuries ranging from minor to life-threatening.
Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), as reported by USA Today, shows that around 17,000 accidents occur across the country each year. Many of these accidents lead to injuries.
A report in Accident Analysis & Prevention shows there are approximately 869,000 spinal injuries annually due to traffic accidents across the U.S. In this post, the leading NY spine specialists look at the most common spinal injuries, including their symptoms, severity levels, and recovery prospects.
Whiplash Injuries
It’s easy to forget that the vertebrae in the neck are also part of the spine. That makes whiplash the most common spinal injury due to accidents.
If the accident stretches the tendons, ligaments, and muscles around the sensitive neck area, you’ll experience the symptoms of whiplash. These typically include pain and a noticeable reduction in your range of motion.
Ruptured or Herniated Spinal Disc
A ruptured or herniated spinal disc is also one of the most common spinal injuries after a car accident. It can cause excruciating pain. Herniated discs may result from the direct or indirect impact of car accidents.
The spinal discs act as cushions between vertebrae in your spinal column. They contain a gel-like substance that may push through a disc torn or damaged in an accident. The space left behind by the ruptured material increases the pressure on surrounding tissues and nerves, leading to a range of symptoms like the following:
- Pain that radiates down to your extremities
- Shooting pain around the part of the spinal column that slipped a disc
- General feeling of weakness
- Numbness around your extremities
Broken Vertebrae
Your spinal column houses the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar vertebrae. Any fracture in these can pose a significant risk to your spinal nerves and the surrounding soft tissues. A single broken vertebra can cause significant pain and discomfort. Other symptoms of broken vertebrae include the following:
- Difficulty moving your limbs
- Numbness, weakness, or a tingling sensation in your limbs
- Swelling and bruising around the area where you’re experiencing pain
If the fractured vertebra shifts or puts pressure on the spinal column, you have spondylolisthesis. In addition to the symptoms above, spondylolisthesis can affect bladder control.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is another one of the most common spinal injuries following car accidents.
According to data from the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center (NSCISC), 18,000 people sustain a spinal cord injury each year across the U.S. Many of these injuries are due to vehicle accidents.
Spinal cord injuries are notoriously hard to treat because of the damage they inflict, further highlighting the importance of taking car safety more seriously. Because the spinal cord is a bundle of nerves running through the spinal column, spinal cord injury victims may experience significant short- and long-term disabilities. Some remain paralyzed for the rest of their lives.
Medical practitioners categorize spinal cord injuries as “complete” or “incomplete.” Complete damage is when the nerves from the injured point downward can no longer connect to the brain. For incomplete damage, the victim will still have some sensory-motor functions intact.
Symptoms of SCI include the following:
- Lower blood pressure
- Loss of voluntary movement in the extremities
- Difficulty breathing
- Muscle weakness
- And more
Facet Joint Injuries
The facet joints in your spine are like hinges holding the vertebrae together. Any injuries to these joints can cause significant pain. Depending on the injury’s severity, you may lose mobility until you fully recover.
Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis is when the spinal canal narrows beyond the normal limits, compressing your spinal cord or nerve roots. Car accidents can worsen spinal stenosis if you already have it or trigger the condition if your spinal column undergoes significant trauma in the accident.
The symptoms of spinal stenosis include pain, weakness, and numbness. You may also find walking a bit difficult.
Get the Right Treatment From a Spine Specialist
Qualified professionals can treat or manage the most common spinal injuries. You need the right supportive services if you want to recover in the shortest time possible.
Have you suffered a spinal injury due to a car accident? Talk to the team at New York Spine Specialist. We have extensive experience in treating car accident injuries.
Our doctors accept most insurance plans, including workers’ compensation, no-fault, and PIP (personal injury protection). Same-day appointments may be available.
Call New York’s Center for Spine Excellence today at (516) 355-0111 to schedule a consultation or request an appointment online.
FAQs
How Can I Reduce the Risk of Spinal Injuries in Car Accidents?
You can reduce the risk of spinal injuries by taking preventive measures like wearing your seatbelt, adjusting headrests properly, and ensuring your car has functional airbags. You must also keep your eyes on the road while driving and avoid breaking traffic laws.
What Are the Treatment Options for Spinal Injuries in Car Accidents?
The treatment options for a spinal injury depend on the type of injury you’re dealing with. Your doctor may recommend medications, epidural injections, physical therapy, or chiropractic care for fractures, disc herniation, and other such cases.
However, spinal cord injuries or severe injuries to the spinal column will almost always require surgery. Your doctor will carefully evaluate your case and recommend the most effective course of treatment based on your condition.
How Long Will It Take To Recover From Spinal Injuries After a Car Accident?
Your recovery timeline will depend on your injury’s severity, your overall health, and other factors. Car accident victims who suffer whiplash may be up and about in a few days or a couple of weeks, while those dealing with disc herniation may remain in treatment for up to eight weeks.
Victims with spinal cord injuries typically undergo the longest treatment regimens.