One of the biggest causes of injuries to both adults and children in Idaho continues to be car accidents. Back and neck injuries are common following an accident, including rear-end collisions which are the largest type of crash in the city. The design of cars and the motion that occurs, coupled with the unexpectedness of the impact, means that little support is provided to the neck and back of the vehicle’s occupants, making it more likely that those parts of the spine will be harmed during an accident.
Back and neck injuries are complicated and can range from the minor to the serious so it is always a good idea to seek help from a qualified expert or neurologist. Towards the minor end of the spectrum, victims may sustain musculoligamentous injuries including sprains and strain. These injuries can be uncomfortable, limiting, and frustrating to victims but will generally heal without problems. Generally such injuries will heal within 6 weeks or so. Much more seriously, a victim may sustain a fracture to one or more of the vertebrae that comprise a spinal column. This can be dangerous if it becomes displaced and causes harm to other areas including the spinal cord.
After a car crash, injuries to the discs that provide cushioning between spinal vertebrae are common. These incidents may involve bulging, protruding, or even herniated discs which involve the discs sticking out between the bones of the spine. If the disc is displaced far enough, it may put pressure on the spinal cord causing weakness, numbness, and a loss of function to different areas of the body, commonly the arms and legs. Victims who sustain disc injuries may need a range of treatment that can include physical therapy, steroid injections into the spine, the surgical removal of the affected disc, or a spinal fusion.
A host of injuries with different courses of treatment can result from a car accident, regardless of how the collision occurred. The outlook for a patient’s health is almost always better when treatment is sought quickly from a skilled professional after the crash.
When an injury is caused by the conduct of another, whether that conduct is negligent or reckless, a victim may be entitled to seek relief by pursuing a civil claim for damages. Speaking with a personal injury attorney who handles car accidents in Idaho is a good place to start if you have questions about your legal rights or options.