What Is Considered a Major Back Injury?

Many people experience back pain because of an injury. Back injuries often happen when your body moves in a way that it’s not used to. If you have back pain, such as from a car accident, you might wonder if it’s serious. A major back injury will need prompt medical attention.

Minor vs. Major Back Injuries

Back injuries can range widely. Minor back injuries can result from:

• Twisting the spine
• Tripping
• Minor falls
• Sprains or strains
• Yardwork
• Lifting something heavy
• Poor workout form
• Overuse injuries from standing or walking too long

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), minor or short-term back pain lasts a few days to a few weeks. In some cases, it can be a few months. Rest at home usually helps the back heal over time. Low back pain is often acute in this way.

Major back injuries often result from:

• Car accidents
• Direct impacts on the back
• Severe falls
• Blows to the head
• Penetrating wounds

Major, or chronic, back pain remains for 12 weeks or longer. A major back injury might seem minor, but the pain continues even after treatment. According to NINDS, about 20% of those with minor low back pain can end up suffering from significant pain after a year.

Continuing pain does not always mean the injury is serious. Some persistent back pain can get treated. However, other pain might be a major injury that needs more severe treatment.

Signs of a Major Back Injury

There are many different types of back injuries. The human back has bones, muscles, and other tissues that can become injured or tweaked. Most people can heal with time and treatment, but there are cases where you need serious medical help.

See a doctor if you have pain that:

• Comes on after an accident, such as a car accident, truck accident, work accident, or slip and fall
• Continues for more than four to six weeks
• Doesn’t go away and gets worse
• Is severe enough to wake you up at night
• Does not improve with over-the-counter pain relievers and rest
• Includes numbness in your groin area, glutes, or upper inner thighs

If you’re not sure about a back injury, don’t wait to get medical treatment. Also, if you were injured in a car accident, see a doctor right away. Auto accidents can cause some of the most serious injuries. You could have a major back injury without realizing it yet.

If you have back pain after an accident, it’s also good to contact a personal injury lawyer. A lawyer can help you document the injury and determine your legal rights. If you were not at fault, you might deserve financial compensation for your injuries.

Call John Foy & Associates today to learn your options. We’ll discuss your injuries, your accident, and your case. With over 20 years of experience, we can advise you on the best course of action. Call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online for a FREE consultation.

Types of Major Back Injuries from Car Accidents

A car crash or other type of accident can lead to many back injuries. Many of these injuries can become significant and require expensive, lengthy treatment.

Some of the most common back injuries include:

Whiplash

Whiplash is one of the most common injuries from a car accident. While most people think of whiplash as a neck injury, it can affect the back too.

Whiplash symptoms can include:

• Neck pain and stiffness
• Shoulder and lower back pain
• Fatigue
• Blurred vision
• Arm or hand numbness
• Ringing ears

Whiplash is often treatable. However, untreated whiplash can lead to major pain and injuries. Don’t wait to get medical treatment after an accident.

Herniated Discs

The spinal column contains discs between each bone. During an accident, these discs can shift and compress nerves in the back. Herniated disc injuries can lead to a lot of pain and lack of movement.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Car accidents can cause damage to the spinal cord, a nerve-filled tubelike structure that runs from the brain to the lower back. Spinal cord injuries can cause major issues, including paralysis in one or several parts of the body.

Spondylolisthesis

Spondylolisthesis happens when bones in the spine are moved out of their usual location. This can compress nerves and lead to:

• Weakness
• Severe pain
• Trouble walking
• Numbness

Spinal Fractures

Car accidents often lead to spine fractures. A spine fracture might happen when someone is wearing a seatbelt during an accident and the lower half of their spine stays still. The upper half is forced to move, causing fractures.

Talk to a Personal Injury Lawyer About Compensation

Major back injuries can impact your life in many ways. You also might not notice the full spectrum of your pain until weeks, months, or years later. If you have a back injury from an accident, you might deserve compensation.

John Foy & Associates can help you seek financial recovery for what you’ve lost. That includes medical bills, lost wages, and much more. Contact us today to discuss your accident and legal rights.

Our team brings 20-plus years of experience to the table. We also do not get paid unless we win you compensation, but that doesn’t stop us from fighting tirelessly for what you deserve. To learn more during a FREE consultation, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.