A victim of a car accident can suffer from several types of spinal injuries. All of these are potentially serious and require the help of specialized medical personnel. At The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker we might be able to help you recover financial damages related to your accident. Keep reading to learn the basics about the three main types of spinal injury and then contact us at 800-333-0000 to request a free legal consultation.
- Whiplash
- Spinal Compression Fractures
- Herniated Discs
Whiplash is an injury that’s often seen in rear-end accidents. It affects the neck or the cervical spine. In many cases, self-help methods can be beneficial in reducing pain and increasing the range of motion. For some people, taking an over the counter pain reliever and icing the area for 15 minutes at a time is enough to heal it. Others need a neck brace, massage, or even ongoing physical therapy to relieve their symptoms. In fact, whiplash can last for months – or even years – and can cost multiple hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical costs and lost wages.
When a first responder gets to a scene and suspects there may be a spinal injury, they will take the victim to the emergency room for care. However, first responders are not always aware of this type of injury. In unfortunate cases, a person may not realize that they have suffered a spinal fracture until hours – or even days – later.
Treatment options can be conservative and include resting, wearing a back brace, and taking pain medication. More serious treatment requirements may include spinal fusion surgery.
As is true of both other types of spinal injuries we have listed, doctors generally prefer to find a conservative treatment for herniated discs. They may advise their patient to rest. They may tell them to avoid any painful positions and to take their painkillers and/or muscle relaxers as they are prescribed.
If that does not work, then the doctor may prescribe one-time or ongoing physical therapy. In very rare cases, a person may require surgery for their herniated disc. Note that even a minor injury of this type can become more serious if it is not addressed properly and correctly by a doctor. Do not wait to see your doctor about a herniated disc.
Your Attorney is Your Second Line of Defense
If you have suffered a spinal injury, your doctor is the first person who should help you. Once you are safe and secure, it is time to contact a personal injury attorney who can help assure that you get the compensation you deserve. Reach out now to The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 for a free legal consultation.
