Understanding Spinal Cord Compression from Car Accidents

Boston experiences a significant number of car accidents every year, with drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists suffering from severe injuries. It is no secret that navigating our city’s infrastructure can be a risky endeavor. Car accidents can result in various types of injuries, and one of the most severe is spinal cord injury. The spinal cord is a crucial part of the body's nervous system, and any damage to it can lead to serious, life-changing complications.

The impact of a car accident can cause sudden and forceful movement of the body, leading to various types of spinal injuries, including spinal cord compression. The car accident attorneys at Breakstone, White & Gluck have helped clients find justice for their spinal cord injuries and car accident injuries, securing them millions in restitution, including:

• $2,500,000 for a man who suffered an L1 burst fracture when his vehicle was slammed by an 18-wheeler
• $2,030,000 for a man whose undiagnosed C4-C5 compression first rendered him paraplegic
• $2,200,000 for a client injured in a rear-end collision that led to cervical spine damage
• $390,000 for a construction worker who suffered a spinal fracture after a fall from a roof (but thankfully no lasting SCI damage)

While our results speak for themselves, our Client Testimonials also show that we are serious about seeking justice and client satisfaction.

What is spinal cord compression?

Spinal cord compression is a serious injury that can often result from a car accident. The spinal cord is a bundle of nerves that runs down the back, and it plays a vital role in transmitting information between the brain and the rest of the body. Compression of the spinal cord can occur when there is pressure on the nerves, which can lead to a range of symptoms and complications.

In car accidents, spinal cord compression is often caused by a sudden, forceful impact that jolts the spine and causes it to bend or twist unnaturally. This can lead to a range of injuries, including fractures of the vertebrae (the bones that make up the spine) and herniated discs (when the cushioning discs between the vertebrae rupture or bulge out of place). These injuries can put pressure on the spinal cord and cause compression.

What are the symptoms of spinal cord compression?

Symptoms of spinal cord compression from car accidents can vary depending on the severity and location of the injury. Common symptoms include:

• Pain
• Numbness
• Tingling
• Weakness
• Loss of sensation in the arms, legs, or other parts of the body

Spinal cord compression injuries can lead to Cauda Equina Syndrome, which, according to OrthoInfo, is a condition that “occurs when the nerve roots in the lumbar spine are compressed, cutting off sensation and movement. Nerve roots that control the function of the bladder and bowel are especially vulnerable to damage.”

John Hopkins Medicine relates that in severe cases of spinal cord compression, symptoms include:

• Loss of bowel/bladder control
• Severe or increasing numbness between the legs, inner thighs, and back of the legs
• Severe pain and weakness that spreads into one or both legs, making it hard to walk or get out of a chair

If you have been injured in a car accident near or in Boston and are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. A doctor can perform a physical examination and imaging tests (such as an MRI or CT scan) to diagnose spinal cord compression and determine the best course of treatment.

What is the treatment for spinal cord compression?

Treatment for spinal cord compression from car accidents can vary depending on the severity of the injury. In mild cases, rest and physical therapy may be enough to relieve symptoms and allow the injury to heal on its own. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and prevent further damage. Medical experts such as arthritis specialists, bone surgeons, nerve specialists, and physical therapists may all be needed as a part of the diagnostic and treatment process.

Spinal cord compression does not heal quickly, and a long road of treatment and therapy is needed to begin to feel comfortable again. Supplements, heat and ice compresses, and maintaining a healthy weight can all help in the healing process.

How can a Boston car accident attorney help me?

If you have suffered spinal cord compression from a car accident, an experienced attorney will help by guiding you through the legal process and working to recover compensation for your injuries. At Breakstone, White & Gluck, we investigate the accident, gather evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.

In addition, we will help the victim recover compensation for any lost wages, medical bills, and other expenses related to the injury. We will also help you to pursue compensation for any pain and suffering you have experienced because of the injury.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident that resulted in spinal cord compression, it is important to seek legal help as soon as possible. Our car accident and spinal cord injury attorneys can help you to understand your legal rights and options and can provide you with the guidance and support you need to navigate the legal process and recover the compensation you deserve. To schedule a free consultation, call us or fill out our contact form.