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Back Pain After Car Accident – Back Injury From Car Accident

Back pain is a common complaint among victims of a car accident. These pains may last months or even years if not identified and treated.

When trying to prove your case after a car accident, it is crucial to show the level of pain you are experiencing, what is causing it, and how long it is expected to last. After years of experience handling car accident claims, our legal team has come to understand which tests offer the needed results to help recover the full compensation for your back injuries from a car accident.

Spinal cord injury in St. Louis car accident
The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C.
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Love my car accident lawyer. This law firm is a step above.
This auto accident law firm is incredible!! Very accomplished lawyers!
Serious family member have a car accident injury? Look no further. This litigator is for real. Always two steps ahead of the other lawyer.
This lawyer handles really big accident cases in St Louis. He is a lawyer, accountant and has his masters in tax so he gets the injury cases for individuals that can never go back to work or individuals own a business and cannot run it due to injury. He specializes in valuations of massive loss. Thank goodness a firm like this exists.
You are a great lawyer! Thank you.
Asked a trauma surgeon who operates on car accident victims who are the best injury lawyers that have taken his deposition. He said “by far” it was Mr Hoffmann. Interviewed several attorneys and this was a correct assessment. In a league of his own!
My aunt was in a major automobile accident. Our family interviewed several lawyers. This one stood out about them all. It was a great choice!
Few lawyers in St. Louis can handle the biggest injury cases! This is one of them!
Response from the owner: Our law firm has made great efforts in terms of training to handle life changing injury cases. Whether in depth knowledge of the medical, loss of income and earning capacity, or lifetime medical care plans, our clients feel confident and know their case is in good hands. Thank you for the compliment.
Cannot say enough about this lawyer. Call if in an accident. This attorney handles the biggest car accidents in St Louis.
Response from the owner: Thanks Ash! Our biggest source of cases is our clients. Our second biggest referral source is defense lawyers telling their relatives to call us. Few lawyers can handle the largest cases. Our law firm welcomes and has trained for this. We don’t do mass production settlement like the lawyers on TV. Our clients can never go back to work. Their cases need massive focus and effort and often long fought litigation.
So glad I called attorney Hoffmann. This time I got it right! So glad I hired the Hoffmann Law Firm - professional, reliable and available.
Response from the owner: Thanks Taylor. Our lawyers answer the phone day, night, weekends and even during lunch. Being professional means training to beat the best defense lawyers. Client rely on us to get results and we do.
Great lawyer. Cares about his clients, knows his stuff and goes the extra mile. I recommend this lawyer for car wreck injury claim. Every other lawyer on TV would not even help with my property claim. This attorney did.
Response from the owner: Thank you for the kind words. Every case starts with a great client. You are correct the car accident lawyers on TV are mass production settlement mills. When injury clients fire them, we get their files and the cases are not worked up at all. Appreciate your confidence in us!
Major car accident injury in St Louis area for a family member. Four different lawyers we know said the same thing - call Chris Hoffmann. On another level.
Response from the owner: This is such a great compliment. Most of our cases come from prior client or lawyers that also do car accidents cases but the particular case is too large or too difficult. Being a lawyer and an accountant, we specialize in cases with total lost of income, earning capacity and/or often the inability to continue a family business. Evaluations such as these are second nature for our lawyers. Thanks.
Best in St Louis for auto accident cases. Nobody else is even close.
Response from the owner: So kind of you to leave this review. Whether our lawyers are going after big insurance or their lawyers, skill and experience are essential and win the day for our auto accident clients. Thanks!
This attorney is very smart, very experienced, returns phone calls and knows the answers when asked. One call and I knew this was a great law firm for auto accidents.
Response from the owner: Our law firm appreciates this. This is a comment we get from so many people who call…”none of the lawyers we called told me all the things that you did.” Whether we take a car accident case or not, helping people is a good thing.
5 Star Lawyer for sure! Best you will find in Saint Louis.
Response from the owner: Thanks for the 5 Star Rating. Reviews like this are great. Injury victims quickly figure out the TV advertisers are not good. We work hard at being the best we can be and it reflects in our representation of car accident victims.
Watch this lawyer in action. Was way better than all the others. Get this lawyer for an automobile accident for sure.
Response from the owner: Thanks for the recommendation. Besides doing cases, our attorneys train for this. Hard work, case knowledge and technique is key to success in car accident litigation.
Very pleased with The Hoffmann Law Firm. Lawyers are attentive, friendly and go the distance to force the settlement you want. The TV lawyers recommend low offers. This law firm gets the maximum.
Response from the owner: We get calls from car accident victims that had to fire the TV lawyers that they hired. They give the same two reasons: 1) they never spoke to a lawyer at the Big TV law firms, only a paralegal, and 2) the paralegal recommended they accept a low offer. At our law firm, you only talk to the lawyer and if an offer is low we tell you to sue. Thanks!
You will love this car accident lawyer.
Response from the owner: You are the best! Thanks for the review. Our attorneys work hard but it all starts with a great client.
Several lawyers said to call this lawyer because he is the best. You will appreciate this law firm. Helped with the injury and property claims. Attentive and knowledgeable. Great reputation in St Louis.
Response from the owner: Thanks Lexi. Our #1 source of cases is other lawyers referring us cases that are too big for them to handle.
Would use this accident law firm. Best in Saint Louis. Highly rated and it shows. After one phone call, you just know this attorney is better. 5 Stars!!
Response from the owner: Thanks for recommending our lawyers in St Louis. There is a major difference in lawyers as you well know.
Great law firm thanks Leah for the referral
Response from the owner: Appreciate you recommending our law firm. Car accident litigation is all we do and specializing allows us to focus.
Car accident lawyers on tv are not good . Get this attorney ! He is a pro !!
Response from the owner: Thanks Nathan. TV lawyers market for car accidents, use paralegals instead of lawyers and give their employees settlement quotas hence forcing cheap settlements. At our law firm, you get a lawyer who keeps pushing forward for more.
A+ attorney. Smart. Helpful. Great for automobile accident cases. Located in saint louis, missouri. Use him!
Response from the owner: Thanks. Car accident cases are difficult without the right attorney and great clients. Much appreciated.
Quality lawyer. Best law firm for a car accident. Advice was way better than other lawyers I called in St. Louis. Helped with property and injury.
Response from the owner: Thanks. The TV lawyer advertisers are just car accident settlement mills. As soon as people call a real attorney, they always tell us how much better and more helpful we were. Appreciate this.
Get this lawyer if you have an automobile accident. Simply the best!
Response from the owner: Thanks Lizzy. Recommendations from other is the best way to find a car accident attorney.
This lawyer is big time. Smooth. The other lawyers on the other side were not nearly as good as this attorney. I recommend friends in St Louis to him for accident injuries and they all say the same thing…”that lawyer is great.”
Response from the owner: Very nice of you to say. Our lawyers work hard on auto accident cases.
Family used this car accident attorney after a crash. Located in St Louis. This lawyer answers the phone and will walk you through the process. Knows his stuff!
Response from the owner: Taking calls, going over the car accident injury and property process is important. Clients that call always say we are the only lawyers that explained everything. Much appreciated.
Tried the lawyers on TV. They were not good. Hired this car accident lawyer instead because he had great reviews. The reviews are correct. This attorney is as good as they get. He does big injury cases that need to be litigated.
Response from the owner: Car accident lawyers on TV do not litigate cases. It is mass production. They have quotas. Local attorneys are best on auto accidents.
Very very good at injury claims for car wrecks. Use this St Louis attorney. Two thumbs up!
Response from the owner: Thanks for the review! All we do is accidents. When you specialize, your knowledge base and practice skills grow. Thanks!
Used this attorney for an auto accident. Highly recommend this lawyer in St. Louis. Communicates well.
Response from the owner: Communicating with clients is essential. Taking the client though the car accident claims process is important otherwise major mistakes can occur. It is an effort that we make. Thanks!
Best for car accidents in St Louis. Use this attorney.
Response from the owner: Thanks. Great clients make for great cases!
This lawyer is great for car accident injury claims. Did an uninsured motorist case. Very good attorney.
Response from the owner: Car accidents can be insured or uninsured. The claims are much different. Thanks for the review.
Great lawyer if you are in an auto accident. I recommend this attorneys office.
Response from the owner: Thanks J. Glad we got your auto accident case completed and that for telling others about our lawyers.
Very good car accident attorney. Did my and my relatives claims and paperwork. Highly recommend.
Response from the owner: Thanks for recommending our law firm on car accident cases.
Fantastic law firm, I would recommend! Received free consultation related to an auto accident when my parked car was damaged by a baseball. Very supportive advice, these guys are good!
Response from the owner: Thank you!
Recommend this attorney for auto accidents.
Response from the owner: Thanks for recommending our attorneys for an automobile accident.
Best St Louis lawyer for car accidents.
Response from the owner: Thanks Tana. Appreciate this!
Great Lawyer!!
Response from the owner: Thank you
I was in a car accident in St.Louis and hired Chris as my lawyer. He was amazing!!! He helped me every step of the way and was able to get me a great settlement!!!Highly, highly, highly recommend him!
Response from the owner: Each step is important in a car accident. Thanks for recommending us for car accidents injury claims.
If you have an auto accident and need an attorney in St Louis, I recommend Mr Hoffmann.
Response from the owner: Appreciate this James and you did great as well. Car accident claims always start with a good client.
Great car accident lawyer. Did a very good job on my injury case. Thanks!
Response from the owner: Thanks. Appreciate the compliment. All we do is car accident litigation.
Very accomplished accident attorney in Saint Louis. 5 stars for sure!
Response from the owner: Thanks
A car accident lawyer I would recommend to anyone.
Response from the owner: Thanks. That is great of you to say about our lawyers.
Great car accident attorney!!
Response from the owner: Thanks
When I had my accident he was very professional, honest and caring to me and my family it wasn't about the money it was about the care, he made sure me and my kids were took care of and I really appreciate it this is a gexcellant law firm also his secretary is the best,so I would like to say thank you chris for everything melinda .
Response from the owner: Thank you
Great car accident lawyer in St. Louis. This is a very good car accident lawyer in St. Lious. Takes phone calls. Listens. Experienced in injury litigation.
Response from the owner: Thanks Maddie. Our law firm brings experience to the table on car accident cases.
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Before your treating physician can diagnose your neck or back pain, they will need to conduct a thorough examination and document the events that led up to your injury. It is important to give as many details about the accident as you can remember, including the vehicle’s speed and the area in which it collided. This information can help the physician pinpoint the source of your pain.

Diagnosing the Cause of Neck or Back Pain after a Car Accident

back and neck injury lawyer St. Louis

MRI v. Nerve Conduction Study (EMG)

The Physical Exam

The physician will conduct routine tests to determine where the neck or back pain originates. You will be asked to twist, bend, and move to see which motions bring on bursts of pain. They will also look for signs of lost flexibility.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

An MRI diagnostic tool can create a real-time 3-D spine image. This will show changes in the soft tissues like nerves and ligaments to help a physician isolate the area where the pain originates. An MRI is also helpful in diagnosing herniated discs and other back injuries from car accidents.

Electromyography (EMG)

Your treating physician might also order an EMG test. This test can examine the function of the nerves in the back and neck by placing tiny electrodes in the lower extremity muscles. The electrodes read the electrical signals in the muscles to determine if a nearby nerve is being pinched, helping to measure the exact conditions of the nerves.

While the MRI can provide a physical picture of the damage to your neck and spine, the EMG can measure the extent of your injury. Together, the two can provide a perfect analysis of the neck and spine to submit as evidence of your back injury from the car accident.

Types of Back Injuries

The back is a complex network of bones, muscles, nerves, and other tissues that extend from the neck to the pelvis. Many injuries can occur to a person’s back. The lower back is the most common site of back injury and pain. Some of the most common types of back injuries from car accidents include:

  • Herniated Disc
  • Spinal Cord Injury
  • Compression Fractures
  • Sprains and Strains

Herniated Disc

Small, sponge-like discs cushion the bones in the back that form the spine. When a disc becomes damaged, it can break open or bulge. This is also often referred to as a slipped or ruptured disc.

herniated disc can occur anywhere in the spine, but it is more common in the lower back. An injury to the spine can cause small tears or cracks in the hard outer layer of the disc. When this happens, the soft gel inside the disc can leak out or bulge.

Some common symptoms of a herniated or ruptured disc may include pain and numbness in the back, leg, or buttock.

Spinal Cord Injuries

spinal cord injury (SCI) is a trauma-related injury to the nerves or the bones and tissues surrounding them. The spinal cord consists of many nerves that carry impulses to and from the brain and out to the rest of the body. Depending on where the injury is, the symptoms can vary from pain to paralysis.

There are two types of spinal cord injuries: complete and incomplete. In the case of a complete injury, all sensation and voluntary movement below the affected area are lost. Conversely, an individual can function below the injured area with an incomplete injury.

Compression Fractures

The spine is made up of bones that are called vertebrae. When one of these vertebrae breaks and then collapses, this is known as a vertebral compression fracture. This type of back injury most commonly occurs in the middle portion of the spine. When this happens, it can put pressure on the spinal cord. These back injuries can cause severe pain and may result in chronic back pain.

Sprains and Strains

Sprains and strains have similar symptoms. A series of ligaments and muscles hold the bones in your spinal column in place throughout your back. A sprain occurs when a ligament is stretched or torn, while a strain occurs when a muscle or tendon is stretched or torn.

Symptoms of a lower back strain are pain and stiffness in the back, buttocks, and legs.

Chronic Back Pain After a Car Accident

Chronic back pain, characterized as pain in the back that persists beyond six months, afflicts millions of Americans. It can manifest in varying degrees of severity, from minor inconvenience to excruciating and incapacitating pain.

While chronic pain typically stems from an initial injury, such as a car accident, it can also exacerbate preexisting issues. Coping with chronic back pain can give rise to additional complications, such as anxiety, fatigue, and stress, underscoring the need for ongoing medical care to manage the condition.

The three different types of back injuries that could cause a broken back include:

  • Fractures occur when more pressure is exerted on the bone than it can take. This can cause the vertebrae to break or collapse. If the trauma is severe, it can push the broken bone fragments into the spinal canal.
  • Dislocation occurs when the discs or ligaments that connect two vertebrae are torn or stretched, causing the bones to push out of alignment.
  • Fractured dislocations: This type of back injury combines a fracture and a dislocation. A fractured dislocation is a severe injury often requiring surgical repair.

Common symptoms of a broken back

When a person suffers a broken back in a car accident, they will likely experience severe back pain and other symptoms. While back pain could also result from a less severe injury such as a back sprain, it is always important to seek medical attention immediately. Timely treatment could mean the difference between complete recovery and a lifetime of disability. Some common symptoms to watch out for include:

  • Pain
  • Tingling
  • Numbness
  • Weakness
  • Muscle Spasms
  • Stooped Over Posture
  • Inability to Move
  • Difficulty Walking

When a person suffers a broken back, the pain will likely increase when the victim tries to walk or attempts to perform even simple movements such as stretching or bending down.

Treatment options for a broken back

When someone suffers a broken back, the first step should be immobilizing the back to prevent further injury. If the victim cannot receive medical attention immediately, they can use over-the-counter medication to relieve pain and ice to reduce inflammation.

When the victim reports to the emergency room with a back injury after a car accident, the doctor may perform a physical exam and order X-rays to diagnose the exact problem and determine the best possible course of treatment.

Common treatments for back injuries include:

  • Bed Rest
  • Pain Medication
  • Anti-inflammatory medication
  • Back Brace
  • Surgery

Surgery may be the best recourse for severe back injuries from car accidents, such as those with a risk of bone fragments damaging the spinal cord. The car accident victim may require physical therapy for an extended period to regain mobility and strengthen the back.

Common types of back surgeries

Four common types of back surgeries are often needed after a severe back injury resulting from a car accident. These include:

  • Spinal Fusion – This surgery treats various spinal conditions, including herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, and spinal stenosis. The surgeon will use bone grafts, metal implants, and/or screws to fuse two or more vertebrae together during the surgery. The bone grafts serve as a bridge between the vertebrae, promoting the growth of new bone tissue that eventually fuses the vertebrae. This is done to stabilize the spine, alleviate pain, and correct deformities. Spinal fusion surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia and can take several hours. Recovery time can vary depending on the extent of the surgery but typically includes a period of immobilization and rehabilitation to help patients regain mobility and strength.
  • Laminectomy – This surgical procedure removes the lamina, the rear portion of the vertebra covering the spinal canal, to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or surrounding nerves. This pressure can develop after a car crash; however, it is also common among people with spinal arthritis.
  •  Vertebroplasty – This surgical procedure helps stabilize the spine in case of a spinal fracture resulting from high-speed car accidents. It is minimally invasive and involves creating a small hole in the back through which special bone cement is injected. This acrylic bone cement fills up the spaces and cracks in the bones and acts as an internal cast.
  •  Diskectomy – This surgical procedure involves removing a portion of the herniated disc in the spine. Herniated discs often compress or irritate nearby nerves and cause intense pain. Besides the pain, the compression can cause weakness or numbness in the arms, neck, and legs. The surgeon uses a small camera and a minimally invasive incision to treat the herniated disc during the surgical procedure.

Although these surgical procedures have become less invasive and more efficient, they are still major procedures with long recovery times. During the recovery period, the car accident victim may be unable to work or perform daily activities, which can result in lost personal time and income.

When Does an Injured Patient Require Back Fusion Surgery?

Spinal fusion is generally required when a patient has injured the discs or vertebrae in the neck or back. The injury can occur due to twisting, falling, or an impact injury caused by a jolt that leads to a fracture or herniated disc. This often happens in traumatic car accidents. If the patient has constantly been in pain after the injury, they would probably require back fusion surgery. Such pain is normally caused by body movement that exerts pressure against the spinal nerves and is often disabling. Back fusion surgery stops this movement of the vertebrae and treats the cause of pain.

medical-attention-after-st-louis-car-accident

The Importance of a Medical Exam

Back injuries are common after car accidents and can happen anywhere along the spine or across the shoulders. These injuries can result from strains, sprains, spinal damage, or disc injuries, and their symptoms may not show up immediately. That’s why it’s crucial to seek medical attention promptly, regardless of how you feel following an accident. Delaying treatment could jeopardize your chances of obtaining compensation for your injuries. Therefore, it’s imperative to undergo an immediate medical examination after any car accident, regardless of its severity.

What is an epidural?

An epidural is a medical procedure that involves injecting anti-inflammatory medication into the epidural space, the area between the spinal cord and the dura mater. This helps to alleviate nerve pressure and numb pain in the affected area. It’s important to note that an epidural steroid injection differs from the epidural anesthesia administered during surgeries or childbirth.

The patient is typically asked to lie face down on an X-ray table during an epidural. The injection is then administered into the lower back, and fluoroscopy may be used to ensure proper needle placement. Patients are advised to stay still during the procedure, even if they feel some pressure in the area. After the procedure, patients are typically monitored for 15-20 minutes before being discharged. The effects of the epidural can take anywhere from 1 to 7 days to fully kick in. Overall, epidural injections are a quick and effective method for managing pain and can be performed in a clinic or hospital setting.

Risks and side effects of epidural

While this is generally a safe procedure, some complications may exist. Some of the common complications may include:

  • A headache, Stomachache, Dizziness
  • Allergic reaction to the medicine
  • Leg pain from nerve root damage
  • Spinal epidural hematoma, a serious condition requiring immediate medical attention
  • Brain or nervous system problems
  • Spinal infections

Some side effects of a spinal epidural include:

  • Anxiety
  • Sleeplessness
  • Steroid flush or facial flushing
  • Increase in pain in the area
  • Headaches that may take 24 hours to resolve
  • Fever

Nearly 50 percent of people find epidurals effective for short-term relief. The injection may relieve symptoms for weeks or months; however, the effects are unlikely to last longer. Following this treatment with regular exercise is crucial, as it will help relieve pain even as the effect fades. If back pain returns, you may need another epidural shot.

Recovering Compensation for Epidural Steroid Injections

Epidural injections can be costly, typically ranging from $2000 or more. Additional procedures such as fluoroscopy may further increase the costs.

However, you may be entitled to compensation if you sustained an injury due to another driver’s negligence. To have a valid claim, you must establish several factors, including that the other driver had a duty of care towards you, they breached this duty by driving recklessly, intoxicated, or ignoring traffic signals, the breach of duty was the cause of the accident, and as a result, you suffered damages such as medical expenses and lost wages.

If you can prove these four elements, you may be able to recover any costs related to your injuries, including expenses related to your back pain caused by the car accident. Speaking with an experienced St. Louis car accident attorney as soon as possible after an accident is essential to protecting your rights and ensuring you receive fair compensation.

Case Study – Back Injury to Lumbar Spine

Back injuries to the lumbar spine can be challenging to diagnose and may not manifest immediately after a car accident. This was the situation for a St. Louis driver who experienced a disc bulge and lumbar spine injury following a car crash. The case was resolved for the policy limit of $100,000 after presenting compelling medical evidence that the car accident was the cause of the injuries.

Determining the Value of Your Back Injury From a Car Accident

A car accident can happen in a fraction of a second, but the pain and suffering can last a lifetime. An auto accident lawyer can examine different factors following the crash to create a case that accurately reflects your pain and suffering.

The Long-Term Impact of Your Back Injury

Back injuries from a car accident can range in severity from mild to extremely debilitating. Chronic pain resulting from a back injury can profoundly impact the victim’s quality of life.

st. louis car accident victim with a back injury

The Extent of Your Losses

When evaluating a back injury case, a jury will consider the financial burden the victim has endured and how their life has been affected. Keeping a detailed diary can help to document missed events, activities that can no longer be enjoyed, and any negative impact on mental health and well-being.

Lost Wages

Back injuries from a car accident frequently result in missed workdays and lost wages, creating a significant financial burden. However, victims of car accidents resulting in back injuries may be entitled to compensation for lost wages.

Compensation for Future Medical Care

In many cases, the impact of a back injury from a car accident is long-lasting, requiring ongoing medical treatment and care. This ensures the victim has the necessary resources to receive treatment even after the case. It is critical to factor in the cost of future medical care when seeking compensation in a car accident lawsuit involving a back injury.

Free Consultation with a St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer

Don’t talk to an insurance claims adjuster before speaking with The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C. We can help you avoid making statements that may affect the outcome of your case. The consultation is free; you don’t pay unless we get you money!