Many people realize how fragile they are. Ribs, limbs, and the head are highly fragile areas that break easily. Generally, people are less protective of their backs, when in fact the spine is far more fragile than a bone in the leg or arm. And a spinal injury is one of the only injuries that can render all limbs useless.

There is a general view that in a car the spine is protected. That’s is because the driver or passenger are in a sitting position in a soft (usually) bucket seat. Add a seatbelt to that and it feels more comfortable and secure than a carnival ride. But think of the ways of getting hurt and what happens to the back in different crash scenarios.

Rear-end Injury Collisions

Even at a slow speed such as a chain reaction bumper to bumper rear end collision where the driver who is many cars in front of the main impact can get whiplash. The reason is that they are relaxed and not expecting impact since their car is idle. They may even be looking to the side or down towards the floor, positions that can further aggravate the injury.

Whiplash – Whiplash is when your neck and upper spine is strained when impact “lashes” your head quickly like a whip. The neck muscles and muscles around the spine immediately seize to protect the body. This makes it hard for the victim to move, look up, raise their arms, or look from side to side. It can be very painful, lasting for days, even weeks. In the most extreme cases there is an accompanying brain injury through jostling of the brain, a vertebra fracture, or muscle tearing. These lead to extended recovery times and in some cases extensive physical therapy.

Side Impact Injury Collisions

In this side impact story done by Dateline NBC, it shows the ways that car makers are trying to innovate to avoid back injuries and other injuries due to side impact crashes. These are some of the worst spinal injuries since they often stretch your back to the side in an unnatural manner.

The middle vertebra are not meant to bend to the side to such an extent. These kinds of back injuries, if survived, can lead to years of pain and physical therapy, inhibit normal activity, and may inhibit participation in sports and other physical exercise. That leads to all kinds of other problems such as obesity, dependency on pain killers, and depression.

In extreme cases these injuries can lead to paralysis, which makes some victims unable to continue their profession, unable to lead a normal active lifestyle, engage in human intimacy, or care for themselves. This may lead to depression, feelings of loss of independence and dignity, and shorten the victim’s lifespan considerably.

Head On Injury Collisions

During a head on collision the spine is least affected with the introduction of airbags in the steering wheel, as demonstrated in this head on collision test by Kia. That doesn’t mean that the spine is not affected. The impact can jostle the whole body. It is during a front impact that people see the crash coming and are able to tense up. This makes the spine and neck ridged and more prone to injury. Depending on the force of the impact this could lead to muscle injuries, tissue tearing, and slipped disks.

Slipped Disks – The spin is made of vertebrae which are separated by disks of elastic material like ligaments. These act as shock absorbers and keep the vertebrae from rubbing together. Once these have slipped they are permanently vulnerable, even after surgery. They are especially vulnerable as the victim ages leaving constant pain with every movement. Recovery can be weeks to months.

Protect Yourself

Have your airbags checked and wear your seatbelt. If you get into an accident move as little as possible until authorities and medical personnel arrive unless you are in immediate danger.

If you or a loved one finds themselves with a debilitating and painful back injury after an accident it is best if you call a professional to review your legal options and protect your self and your health. Call Phillips Webster for a consultation.