Extension Injuries of the Spine
Extension Injuries of the Spine – Back pain is one of the most common reasons why people visit their doctors. Even though some people may not take chronic pain seriously, this is one of the main reasons why people file for disability benefits. According to statistics from The Good Body:
- Close to 80 percent of people will visit a doctor for back pain or a back injury at some point in their life.
- About 10 percent of these people will injure their back a second time.
- More than one million people suffer an injury of their back at work every year.
- This accounts for about 20 percent of all injuries and illnesses that people suffer while at work.
These statistics accentuate just how common back injuries can be. Like other traumatic injuries, back injuries can range in their scope and severity. One type of back injury is called an extension injury.
What is an Extension Injury of the Spine?
People are able to bend their back in multiple directions. The two most common directions are flexion and extension. Flexion refers to bending forward while extension refers to bending backward. In an auto accident, the force stemming from an impact can cause someone to bend violently in multiple directions. If someone is rear-ended, his or her head could be thrown back against the headrest. This can lead to a violent over-extension of the spine. There are significant injuries that could stem from this motion which include:
- Damage to the ligaments and tendons on the side of the spine.
- Stretching of the nerves that run down the spinal cord.
- Possible avulsion fractures of one or more vertebrae.
This is a serious injury that must be addressed by a medical professional. If this is not treated quickly, long-term complications can develop.
What are the Long-Term Complications?
An extension injury of the spine could range from a minor sprain to a more serious, complex injury. The farther the spine extends backward, the more the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves are stressed. If these nerves are stretched to the point of tearing or avulsing from their roots, long-term complications can develop. This could include:
- A loss of range of motion in the back
- Chronic pain that runs down the back
- Loss of motor function
- Possible torn ligaments
- A slipped disc which could require surgery
Watch YouTube Video: Complications of Spinal Surgery. In this educational video, Dr. Gary Simonds from the Carilion Clinic discusses the complications of spinal surgery.
Contact an Experienced Lawyer
Those who extend their back too far could suffer from chronic pain. This comes from damage to the nerves of the back, which can also cause other issues. Among these are motor and sensory issues which could require medical attention. This can place major stress on a family because of problems that include:
- Possible loss of income due to missed time at work.
- Logistical issues that come with having a loved one in a hospital.
- A possible investigation of the accident.
- Possible financial problems due to a lack of insurance coverage.
It is essential to meet with a personal injury lawyer in Sacramento for help with these issues. You and your family could be deserving of financial compensation.
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Sacramento Personal Injury Lawyers
I’m Ed Smith, a personal injury lawyer in Sacramento. Injuries of the back and spine must always be taken seriously. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a car accident, call me at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 for free, friendly legal advice.
I am a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum.
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Extension Injuries of the Spine: AutoAccident.com
Image Attribution: The photo at the start of this article is seen in its original form on Unsplash. The image has been reproduced here with permission/Extension Injuries of the Spine.
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