Car accidents are a leading cause of spinal injuries. The most common are:
- Whiplash: This is a soft tissue injury that occurs when the neck is forcefully jerked back and forth, often due to rear-end collisions. Symptoms include neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and dizziness.
- Herniated disc: The force of a car accident can cause the soft center of a spinal disc to bulge or rupture, putting pressure on nearby nerves. This can cause pain, numbness, and weakness in the arms or legs.
- Spinal fractures: In severe accidents, the vertebrae of the spine can fracture. This can cause pain, instability, and nerve damage.
- Spinal cord injury: In rare but serious cases, a car accident can cause damage to the spinal cord, leading to paralysis or loss of sensation.
If you’ve been in a car accident, even if you feel okay, you should get medical attention right away. Many injuries might not present symptoms right away.
Dr. Darakchiev is a board-certified, fellowship-trained neurosurgeon skilled in diagnosing and treating a variety of brain, spine and peripheral nerve disorders. To schedule an appointment, please call 631-690-9080.
