You were involved in a car accident and escaped relatively unharmed – at least that’s what you thought. Then days or even weeks later, you visit the emergency room with excruciating back pain. Sound familiar? This is because immediately after a car accident, adrenaline can mask the symptoms of serious injuries, especially those to the soft tissues and structures of the back and spine. When this occurs, insurance companies may be skeptical of these injuries, further complicating your ability to collect the compensation you need. In order to win your case, it helps to have a thorough and complete understanding of the different types of car accident related back injuries.

The spinal cord is composed of more than 30 bones stacked on top of one another. These bones are separated by round spongy discs of cartilage which help to cushion them from injury and allows for flexibility. Ligaments and tendons help hold the vertebrae in place and also attach the muscles of the back to the spinal column. Inside the spinal column is the spinal cord which transmits a variety of signals throughout the body. An injury can occur to any of these structures, resulting in different types of injuries and different types of symptoms.

When an accident occurs, the forces of the crash can injure any component of the back – from the muscles to the delicate discs. Some of the most common back injuries after a car accident include:

• Back muscle tear, pull or strain
• Bulging or herniated disc
• Compression fracture
• Sacroiliac Joint pain and injury
• Slipped or ruptured disc
• Vertebral fracture
• Whiplash
• Spinal cord injury

Symptoms of Back Injuries

Back injuries can result in a wide range of symptoms from crippling back pain and limited mobility to complete paralysis. The severity of the injury and the location of the injury will often determine the severity of the symptoms an accident victim will face. Some of the most common back injury symptoms include:

• Numbness in extremities
• Pain radiating down legs or arms
• Pain when moving
• Limited mobility or range of motion
• Weakness in extremities
• Difficulty sitting or standing for long periods of time
• Dull aching sensation in back

Back injuries can affect nearly every aspect of your life. They can prevent you from working, from driving your car, from interacting with friends and family members, from sleeping soundly, and from enjoying an active lifestyle. They can be difficult to treat and may require months of rehabilitation, therapies and medications to correct. In some cases, surgery may even be required.

Contact Our Experienced Arvada Personal Injury Lawyers

If you or someone you love has suffered from back pain after a car accident in Arvada, Northglenn, Thornton, or anywhere in Northern Colorado, it is important to contact our experienced Arvada personal injury attorneys immediately. At Hull & Zimmerman, P.C., our committed personal injury lawyers are dedicated to the belief that everyone deserves justice. Contact us at (303) 423-1770 or (866) 385-3505.    

Our personal injury lawyers have extensive experience representing injured accident victims in Broomfield, Arvada, Superior, Lafayette, Louisville, Erie, Brighton, Commerce City, Northglenn, Westminster, Thornton, Longmont, and throughout Colorado.