Crowson Law Group: Neck Injuries Relating to Head and Back Injuries

Crowson Law Group

A number of publications have discussed the most common types of injuries associated with car accidents. This article will discuss common injuries associated with car accidents that occur to the neck that may also be related to head and back injuries.

The most common neck injuries associated with car accidents often come along with head and back injuries. As with all other injuries, neck injuries have different extremes with regards to severity; from minor soft tissue injuries to serious nerve and spine complications. One article stated that in order “to understand car accident neck injuries, you have to know something about the anatomy of your spine. The neck consists of the top 7 vertebrae (bones) of the spine. In medical parlance, this is called the cervical spine. The bones are identified by the letter C as in cervical and then the number of the bone counting from the top. So, C3 is the third cervical vertebrae from the top. Below the seven cervical vertebrae, beginning at the bottom of the neck, are 12 thoracic vertebrae to which the ribs in the back attach. They are identified by the letter T and the number of the bone, counting from the top.” The same article points out that if the bones on the spine were simply stacked on top of each other the spine would be inflexible, however, flexibility exists because of spongy disks that are between each bone in the spine. These disks allow for movement and act as shock absorbers to cushion the bones of the spine as you twist, jump and move your spine. In addition, it must be noted that the spinal cord originates at the brain and travels through the spinal canal. As it travels the spinal cord gives off small nerves that leave the spine between each vertebra through an opening called the ‘foramen’.

Neck injuries may be common but are some of the most serious types of injuries associated with car accidents. As a result, it is important to find a personal injury attorney in Anchorage, Ak to provide legal advice and representation for personal injury claims.

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Common neck injuries often result from some form of a traumatic car accident. Below are some of the common neck injuries associated with car accidents:

  • Neck sprain - the neck has ligaments which are bands of fibrous tissue that connect bones together and help to stabilize joints. When such ligaments are stretched or torn in the neck they result in neck sprain which can cause pain and stiffness.
     
  • Neck strain - this is whereby muscles in the neck are stretched or torn resulting in neck strain. They are sometimes known as ‘pulled muscles’. This occurs when the muscles are suddenly and powerfully contracted or when they stretch unusually far. Neck sprain and neck strains are sometimes referred to as whiplash or hyperflexion-hyperextension injuries.
     
  • Cervical radiculopathy - cervical radiculopathy is also known as ‘pinched nerve’. Cervical nerves leave the spinal cord in the cervical spine area and travel down into the arm. When a nerve is irritated or pinched by either a bone spur or a fragment of a herniated disk it results in the nerve not working properly. The result of cervical radiculopathy can be a weakness in the muscles that the nerves go to, numbness in the skin with a nerve goes or pain in the area where the nerve travels.
     
  • Herniated disk - when neck motion puts too much pressure on a disk it results in a herniated disk also known as a slipped disk or ruptured disk. As a result of the herniation, the individual feels pain, numbness, and weakness along the nerve pressurized by the disk.

One lawyer stated that “neck injuries may be common, but are some of the most serious types of injuries associated with car accidents. As a result, it is important to find a personal injury attorney in Anchorage, AK to provide legal advice and representation for personal injury claims.

About the company:

Crowson Law Group is a law firm of personal injury attorneys Anchorage in Alaska. To find the best lawyer for personal injury, be sure to include Crowson Law Group on your list.

Source: Crowson Law Group