Back pain after a car accident should be taken very seriously. When left untreated, back pain and back injuries can develop into chronic pain that can plague you for years to come. If you were recently injured in a car accident, then visit a doctor as soon as possible to get a thorough examination to check for any injuries. You shouldn’t have to live with back pain, especially after a car accident. If your back pain and injuries lead to back surgery, then you want to find a team of neurologists in Snellville who will work with you to get the comprehensive care you need. Talk to your neurologist about your back surgery and the type of documentation necessary to support your car accident settlement.
Car Accident Injuries That May Require Back Surgery
If your car was damaged during a car accident, then it is likely that your body has sustained some damage as well. The spine experiences a lot of pressure and stress during a car accident due to the force of impact and how it affects the body. This can cause serious injuries to the spine, muscles, and tendons that support your back. Here are two examples of car accident injuries that may require back surgery:
Herniated Disc
A herniated disc refers to an issue with a spinal disc that can occur due to a car accident. Spinal discs help separate each vertebra in your spine and absorb the shock from daily wear and tear. However, a sudden and shocking event like a car accident can cause these spinal discs to become jostled out of place. The disc can also crack, and the soft, inner gel of the disc can spill out. A herniated disc can put pressure on a nearby nerve and end up causing significant nerve pain and damage.
Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis is another example of a spinal injury that can be caused by a car accident. Too much pressure and stress on the spinal canal can cause it to narrow. When the spinal canal narrows, it puts pressure on nearby nerves that can affect their healthy functioning. This can lead to pain and other symptoms like muscle weakness and impaired functioning in your organs.
Types of Back Surgery After a Car Accident
Not every back injury from a car accident will require surgery. However, your car accident doctor will review your scans and talk to you about what will work best for you. If your neurologists in Snellville recommend back surgery after a car accident, then the type of surgery will depend on your specific injury. Here are three examples of back surgery for car accident injuries:
Discectomy
If you suffer a herniated disc due to a car accident and more conservative approaches are unsuccessful in alleviating your pain, then your doctor may recommend a discectomy. This type of surgical intervention involves removing the herniated disc that is causing you pain and affecting the nerve root.
Spinal Fusion
Another surgical option for a car accident injury like a herniated disc is a spinal fusion. This type of surgery involves removing the affected spinal discs and then fusing together those vertebrae. A spinal fusion surgery has a longer recovery period and can result in some reduced flexibility and mobility.
Spinal Laminectomy
A spinal laminectomy is a surgical procedure that can help people who are suffering from spinal stenosis after a car accident. A spinal laminectomy surgery can help alleviate your pain and the effects of spinal stenosis by removing pressure on the nerves.
Overall Impact of Back Surgery on a Car Accident Settlement
Talk to your doctor about the best treatment options for you and discuss your back surgery in great detail. Surgery after a car accident is not without risk, but it may be the best option for you. You will want to talk to your doctor about how the recovery process for back surgery will work and information like how long you may need to recover before returning to work. These details can help inform the car accident settlement so you can get a quality settlement for your case.
At AICA Orthopedics in Snellville, our team of car accident doctors works together to provide you with the best care available. Our car accident neurologists in Snellville will talk you through your options for back surgery and be sure to provide you with the appropriate paperwork you need for your car accident settlement.