Back and neck injuries are some of the most painful and lasting wounds you can suffer in a car accident. They are particularly common in rear-end collisions.
A serious injury to your back or neck could leave you facing significant medical bills. The pain could put you out of work, and the emotional and physical suffering can change your quality of life indefinitely. Learn more about rear-end collision injuries and whether you can begin a personal injury claim if you’ve experienced one.
Common Causes Of Neck And Back Pain After Being Rear-Ended
There are numerous reasons why you may be feeling discomfort or pain after being rear-ended.
Whiplash
Rapid whip-like motions of your head can strain your neck muscles and ligaments. As your head moves back and forth, your neck does what it can to keep up. That motion can damage the soft tissues in the area.
Whiplash is one of the most common injuries caused by rear-end collisions. You may not realize you suffered this injury until hours or days later, since discomfort only begins after swelling develops.
Herniated Discs
Your spine is made up of vertebrae, which are bones that are stacked on top of each other. To allow you maximum flexibility and prevent your vertebrae from rubbing together, vertebral discs sit between them. These discs function as cushions.
If these cushions suffer damage, they can bulge (or herniate). Herniated discs put pressure on nerves and other structures in the area, causing pain, numbness, and problems with your range of motion. This type of injury can range in severity. Some herniated discs get better after rest, and others require physical therapy or surgery.
Lumbar Sprains And Strains
The jarring motion of a rear-end collision can twist, pull, or tear ligaments or muscles in your lower back. You may experience stiffness, muscle spasms, tenderness, and worsening pain with movement. This type of back injury after being rear-ended can require rest as well as pain relievers.
Facet Joint Injuries
Small joints called “facets” connect your vertebrae. If they’re jolted or suffer any kind of trauma, they can become inflamed. This means pain and stiffness that could last for months. A facet joint injury can even become a chronic issue that limits your range of motion. Physical therapy is usually needed, along with medications.
Vertebral Dislocation Or Fracture
Breaks or dislocations that impact vertebrae are among the most serious injuries you can sustain to your back. Not only do these injuries cause pain, but they can also impact your spinal cord, potentially causing damage to essential nerves there.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Catastrophic injuries to your spinal cord can lead to chronic pain or paralysis. Spinal cord injuries impact the nerves and nerve fibers in this vital component of your central nervous system. They often require surgery and extensive physical therapy. Someone who is paralyzed after a rear-end crash might need assistance with everyday tasks for the rest of their life.
Contact Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers For A Free Consultation With Our Jacksonville Car Accident Lawyers
If you suffered a serious back or neck injury because of another party’s negligence, you may be able to pursue a personal injury claim if your injuries meet Florida’s serious injury threshold.
For more information, please contact the Jacksonville and Ponte Vedra car accident law firm of Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers at the nearest location to schedule a free consultation today.
We serve Duval County, St. Johns County, and its surrounding areas:
Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers – Jacksonville
9471 Baymeadows Rd #105,
Jacksonville, FL 32256
(904) 396-1100
Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers – Downtown Jacksonville
121 W Forsyth St Suite 1000,
Jacksonville, FL 32202
(904) 822-4225
Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers – Ponte Vedra
480 Town Plaza Ave #130,
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32081
(904) 675-1167