Spine injuries are one of the common injuries from car accidents that you should watch out for. If you have any symptoms in the days, weeks or months after an accident, you should see a doctor. This is in addition to a mandatory checkup right after the accident whether you feel fine or not. Failing to promptly see a doctor after a car accident in Maryland could reduce your compensation in a personal injury lawsuit.
Whiplash
Whiplash could occur even if a car hits yours going several miles per hour. This is one of the most common injuries from car accidents. Whiplash is a cervical spine injury from the head jerking back and forth quickly. It may happen so fast that you don’t notice it. You might not have symptoms directly after the accident either. Symptoms to watch out for include headaches, pain or stiffness in the neck, pain or tenderness in the upper back or arms, numbness or tingling in the arms, ringing in the ears, limited neck movement and dizziness. Psychological symptoms like irritability, depression and insomnia may occur.
Vertebral fracture
Bones in your spine can sustain different types of fractures from car accidents. Some vertebral fractures are mild, but they could be serious. You may experience moderate to severe pain with this type of injury. The pain typically worsens with movement. If the fracture damaged your spinal cord, then additional symptoms you might experience include numbness, tingling, weakness and loss of bladder/bowel function.
Herniated disc
A herniated disc is when the soft center of a disc in your spine leaks out because of a crack on the exterior. Discs in your spine are in between the vertebrae to provide cushioning and shock absorption. You may feel a sharp, burning pain in your arms or legs when you have a herniated disc. Other symptoms are muscle weakness, tingling in the arms or legs and numbness in the arms and legs.
Even if you’re able to walk and carry on with your day after a car accident, you could have a spine injury. Prompt treatment of these injuries is important for your recovery and any future personal injury claim.