Car crashes are a leading cause of back and spinal trauma, often leaving victims with long-term pain or permanent damage. If you’ve been involved in a collision, understanding the most common spinal injuries from car accidents can help you recognize symptoms and seek medical treatment early.
A spinal cord injury can range from mild sprains to severe fractures or paralysis. According to a study on Emergency Department Visits for Motor Vehicle Traffic Injuries, sprains and strains of the neck and back accounted for 23.6% of emergency department (ED) visits related to car crashes.
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Fractures and spinal disorders also ranked among the top injuries sustained in these accidents.
1. Whiplash: The Most Reported Car Accident Spine Injury
Whiplash is one of the most common spinal injuries from car accidents, especially in rear-end collisions. This injury occurs when a sudden force causes the neck to snap forward and backward rapidly, straining the cervical spine’s muscles, ligaments, and tendons.
Victims often experience stiffness, headaches, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating. While whiplash typically heals with rest and physical therapy, severe cases can lead to chronic pain. Prompt medical care is essential. Even if symptoms seem minor, an untreated whiplash injury can worsen over time.
2. Herniated Discs: A Spine Injury from Car Accidents That Worsens over Time
A herniated disc happens when the soft, gel-like center of a spinal disc pushes through the outer layer, pressing against nerves. This injury often results from the forceful impact of a car accident spinal cord injury. The lumbar and cervical spine are most commonly affected, leading to pain, numbness, tingling, or limb weakness.
Although some herniated discs heal with conservative treatment, others require surgery. The severity of symptoms depends on the disc’s location and whether it compresses nearby nerves. For crash injuries, healthcare providers ordered imaging for over 70% of emergency room visits related to spinal trauma. This condition may progress if left untreated, potentially causing lasting nerve damage.
3. Spinal Fractures: A Severe Car Accident Spine Injury
Spinal fractures occur when the vertebrae break due to extreme force. These fractures are more common in high-speed crashes and rollovers, with injury rates increasing with impact severity.
Common types of spinal fractures include:
- Compression fractures—when the vertebra collapses under pressure, often seen in older adults or those with osteoporosis;
- Burst fractures—a more severe form where the vertebra shatters, potentially damaging the spinal cord; and
- Flexion-distraction fractures—occur when the spine bends too far forward, often in head-on collisions.
Spinal fractures may lead to mobility issues, nerve damage, or paralysis, depending on the severity. Immediate medical attention is critical, as some fractures require surgical stabilization.
4. Spinal Cord Damage: The Most Devastating Injury
A spinal cord injury car accident can be catastrophic, potentially leading to permanent paralysis. When the spinal cord sustains trauma, nerve signals are disrupted between the brain and body. These injuries are classified as:
- Complete—no sensation or movement below the injury site; or
- Incomplete—partial function remains, with varying degrees of sensation and movement.
While less frequent than whiplash or herniated discs, the consequences of these injuries are far more severe. Victims often require lifelong medical care, rehabilitation, and assistive devices.
Research indicates that fractures are more common in high-severity crashes, further underscoring the dangers of spinal cord trauma in major collisions. Early intervention can help improve outcomes, but many of these injuries result in permanent disability.
5. Facet Joint Injuries: Overlooked but Painful Car Accident Spine Injuries
Facet joints connect each vertebra, allowing the spine to move smoothly. A sudden impact can damage these joints, leading to inflammation and pain. Symptoms often mimic whiplash, making facet joint injuries easy to overlook.
Those suffering from facet joint damage may experience the following:
- Pain that worsens with movement,
- Stiffness in the neck or back, and
- Radiating discomfort in the arms or legs.
Facet joint injuries often go undiagnosed in the initial aftermath of a crash. However, they can contribute to chronic spinal pain, requiring physical therapy, injections, or even surgery to relieve discomfort.
6. Nerve Compression and Radiculopathy: When a Spinal Cord Injury Affects Mobility
Radiculopathy occurs when a herniated disc or bone fragment compresses spinal nerves, causing pain, numbness, or limb weakness. The rate of cervical spine sprains is higher than lumbar spine sprains, meaning neck-related nerve compression is more frequent in crashes.
This condition is commonly seen in:
- The cervical spine (neck), leading to pain in the shoulders, arms, and hands; and
- The lumbar spine (lower back), causing sciatica-like symptoms in the legs.
Physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and, in some cases, surgery may be necessary for relief. Early diagnosis through imaging studies can help prevent worsening symptoms.
7. Soft Tissue Damage: A Common Car Accident Spine Injury
Muscles, ligaments, and tendons support the spine, but a sudden impact can cause them to overstretch or tear. While soft tissue injuries may not appear on X-rays or MRIs, they can cause significant pain and limit mobility.
Symptoms include:
- Muscle spasms,
- Tenderness along the spine, and
- Reduced range of motion.
Soft tissue damage is a leading cause of chronic post-accident pain despite often being dismissed as minor. Seeking prompt medical care and following a structured rehabilitation program can help manage pain and prevent long-term complications.
Have You Suffered a Spine Injury Due to a Car Accident?
If you or someone you love recently suffered an injury in a car accident, you must take steps now to protect your interests. At Gonzalez & Jones APC, our California car accident lawyers have extensive experience handling cases involving spinal injuries and know what it takes to ensure you recover the compensation you need to move on with your life.
To learn more and schedule a free consultation today, contact Gonzalez & Jones by calling (408) 848-2208 or contact us online. Calling is free, and we will not bill you for our services unless we can get you the compensation you deserve for what you’ve been through.