Neck and Back Injuries

San Jose Catastrophic Injury Lawyer

Neck and back injuries and one of the most common types of physical trauma suffered by car accident victims. Even if the spinal cord is not damaged, back injuries and neck injuries can be debilitating. Neck injuries range from mild to severe. A mild neck injury (such as neck strain or whiplash) may require medical treatment. Serious injuries, such as a disk injury, may require extensive medical care. Like neck injuries, back injuries can be extremely serious. In an accident – such as an automobile accident – passengers can suffer sprains, fractures, thoracic spine injury, lumbar radiculopathy, disc injury, or lumbar spine injury. Sometimes, back injuries do not affect the victim until sometime after the accident.

Soft Tissue Neck Injuries

Neck injuries can be extremely complicated. Many times, when one part of the neck is damaged, other parts suffer as well. For instance, if an individual suffers from whiplash, he/she may also suffer from ligament sprain and muscle damage. Many neck injuries can be categorized as soft tissue injuries. Generally speaking, soft tissue injuries involve damaged to ligaments, muscles and tendons. Sprains, strain and contusions are common soft tissue injuries. Victims of soft tissue neck injuries may suffer swelling, bruises and pain. Sometimes, soft tissue injuries heal without professional medical treatment. In home remedies, such as ice, pressure and rest may be enough to allow the injury to heal. However, soft tissue damage in the neck may require doctor's visits and medical treatment.

Muscle Strain

Muscle strain is another common injury suffered in the neck and back. Sometimes, muscles pull or tear. In these instances, the muscle may become damage where it attacks to the tendons. Muscle strain is usually caused by heavy lifting, sports or every day activities. Strain may also be suffered in accidents like car accidents or slip and fall injuries. Additionally, muscle strain could be suffered as a result of repeated tasks that involve heavy lifting or place strain on the muscles in any way. All or some of the muscle fibers may be torn. If all of them are damaged, the injury may be identified by broken blood vessels, bruises, local bleeding and pain. Muscle strain can be identified by:

• Swelling
• Bruises
• Open cuts
• Pain (when the muscle is used or at rest)
• Inability to use muscle

Muscle strain injuries can be treated at home, but sever cases will require medical attention. Generally speaking, muscle injuries that persist for more than 24 hours may need treatment. Generally speaking, if the home remedies are not able to help the injury at all, the injury should be treated by a doctor.

Whiplash

Whiplash is one of the most common neck injuries suffer by car accident victims. Whiplash may occur when the victims head is thrown backwards and then forwards quickly. This type of injury is often the result of traffic accidents, slip and fall injuries, falls, sports injuries or other types of trauma. Sometimes, whiplash damages joints and disks in the neck. Nerve roots and the spinal cord may be damaged as well. Whiplash victims may suffer weakness, numbness, tingling, pain, stiffness, dizziness or an inability to sleep. This type of injury is not life-threatening but may require the attention of a medical professional.

Herniated Disc

Herniated disc injuries may occur in the neck or the back and may be debilitating. This type of injury occurs when the nucleus pulposis (a soft substance inside the disc) is pushed out. If the nucleus pulposis is pushed out of the disc onto the nerve root, the injury may become extremely painful. Additionally, the victim may suffer weakness, numbness and pain. Herniated disc injuries may be the result of sudden stress, car accidents or repeated stress to the joint. Herniated disc injuries are often caused by repeated heavy lifting or accidents that twist the neck or spine. This type of injury requires medical treatment and usually includes physical therapy and medication. Depending on the severity of the injury, a herniated disc may require surgery.

Injured? A San Jose catastrophic injury lawyer can help!

If you've suffered a neck or back injury because of someone else's carelessness or negligence, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Neck and back injuries can be the result of many types of accidents. If you've suffered whiplash because another driver made a careless mistake, Shea & Shea can help you pursue compensation for medical bills, doctor's visits and other expenses. If you've suffered a serious back injury in a slip and fall accident that wasn't your fault, you may be able to collect money for your damages. Contact a San Jose personal injury attorney today and schedule a case evaluation to see what Shea & Shea can do for you.