What are Common Types of Back Injuries?

The human spine is composed of 33 different bones, held in place by a network of ligaments and tendons. It is divided into separate regions: the cervical spine, thoracic spine, lumbar spine, sacrum and the coccyx. In addition to providing flexibility and support the spine also contains the spinal cord, which delivers commands from the brain to the body. The spine is a complex structure that can become easily damaged. Back injuries can also impact other parts of the body, such as the arms and legs and even the respiratory, digestive and reproductive systems. Symptoms of a back injury can range from minor pain and stiffness to chronic pain, physical deformity and paralysis. Common types of back injuries that warrant contact with a diligent McKinney back injury attorney include:

Whiplash

Whiplash injuries occur when the neck and/or back is violently “whipped” backwards or forward, causing damage to the bones, nerves and muscles. Our seasoned McKinney back injury attorneys most often see whiplash caused by car accidents, especially rear-end collisions. Symptoms of whiplash can include pain and limited mobility of the neck and back.

Compression Fractures

A compression fracture occurs when one vertebra is pressed too hard against another, causing them to crack, break and ultimately collapse. If the bone shards penetrate the surrounding tissues or spinal canal, it is known as a burst fracture. Acute compression fractures can lead to severe pain and a condition known as kyphosis – a deformity that causes the spine to hunch forward.

Herniated Discs

Herniated discs occur when the discs that cushion the bones of the neck and back become damaged. Symptoms of a herniated disc include pain and/or numbness in the back and lower body. Also known as slipped or ruptured discs.

Sciatica

A condition usually caused by a herniated disc pressing against one of the nerves in the back causing pain. The pain travels down the back and into the legs.

Dislocations

Dislocations occur when vertebra are thrown out of alignment. Spinal instability and spinal cord compression can occur when the vertebra become dislocated. Treatments include back braces and stabilization surgery.

Back Sprains

Back sprains occur when the ligaments that hold the bones of the spinal column in place become stretched or torn.

Back Strains

Similar to a sprain, except in a back strain the muscles or tendons in the back become stretched or torn.

Spinal Cord Injuries/Paralysis

Paralysis occurs when signals from the brain are unable to be transmitted to other parts of the body due to a spinal injury. Paraplegia describes paralysis of the legs; quadriplegia is paralysis of the arms and legs.

What are Long-Term Consequences of Spinal Cord Injury?

Those who have sustained spinal cord injury may suffer dire physical and emotional impairments involving loss of movement, strength, sensation, as well as complications with bowel and bladder control, impotence, and varying levels of pain and spasms. Spinal trauma often results in partial or complete paralysis, leading to paraplegia or quadriplegia:

  • Paraplegia involves paralysis of the lower limbs. Trauma has occurred to the lower vertebrae of the spinal column.
  • Quadriplegia, also known as tetraplegia, involves paralysis of all four limbs. Trauma has occurred to the upper vertebrae of the spinal column.

Further complications with spinal cord injuries may develop including gastrointestinal issues, respiratory disease such as pneumonia, deep vein thrombosis (blood clots) and more.

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Get Help from a McKinney Back Injury Attorney

A serious back injury change your life forever. If you or a loved one have suffered a neck or back injury as a result of someone else’s negligence, call a McKinney back injury lawyer McCraw Law Group or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. We will use every legal resource available to get you the fair settlement you deserve. McCraw Law Group has been providing legal services for personal injury victims in McKinney, Garland, Frisco Plano, Fairview, Weston and other North Texas communities for over 20 years. Evening and weekend appointments aren’t a problem. And if your injury has made it difficult for you to travel, we can arrange to meet with you at your home or hospital room. McCraw Law Group handles all neck and back injury cases on a contingency basis, which means we only collect our fee after you win your case. Schedule a consultation with our dedicated legal team today.

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Get The Help You Need Contact McCraw Law Group

If you are in need of a personal injury attorney in North Texas, please contact the team at McCraw Law Group today. We are ready to help you in a broad range of serious accident and injury legal issues, and offer multiple ways to reach us.

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If you are in need of a personal injury attorney in North Texas, please contact the team at McCraw Law Group today. We are ready to help you in a broad range of serious accident and injury legal issues, and offer multiple ways to reach us.

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