Sprains and strains are some of the most common soft tissue injuries after an accident. In fact, in 2020, sprains and strains were the most common injury treated in hospital emergency departments, accounting for 24% of diagnoses. While they may sound like minor inconveniences, these injuries—especially in the neck and back—can lead to weeks or even months of pain, medical treatment, and missed work.
If your injury was the result of someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. To see if you have a case, reach out to an experienced New York neck and back injury lawyer at Buttafuoco & Associates for a free case review: 1-800-NOW-HURT.
Sprain vs Strain Injury
Although the terms are often used interchangeably and both can be very painful, sprains and strains are different types of injuries.
A sprain is a stretch or tear in a ligament, the connective tissue that links bones and stabilizes joints. In the neck and back, ligaments run along the spine, allowing flexibility. After a sprain, symptoms typically do not manifest for several days and can include swelling, bruising, instability, reduced range of motion, and headaches radiating from the base of the skull.
A strain is stretch or tear in a muscle or tendon (the tissue that connects muscles to bones). Strains in the neck are often called whiplash. In addition to pain, symptoms of a strain include muscle spasms, weakness, cramping, swelling, and limited mobility.
There are four groups of muscles in your lower (lumbar) back, each connected to the bones by tendons, so back strains are somewhat common. The neck contains ten groups of muscles, which makes it even more likely than the back to be afflicted by a strain in an accident.
Causes of Sprains and Strains to the Neck and Back
Both sprains and strains occur when the neck or body twists, jerks, or suffers a sudden impact. The muscles, tendons, and ligaments of the neck and back are flexible, but sprains and strains happen when these soft tissues are stretched or flexed beyond their limits. The sheer impact of car crashes makes strains and sprains among the most common injuries people suffer in crashes.
Rear-end collisions often cause the head and neck to be whipped rapidly forward and back. During any crash, the body may be thrown into unexpected postures or neck hyperextension, which can cause these injuries.
Our New York car accident lawyers have significant experience working with clients suffering from sprains and strains after motor vehicle crashes. Back and neck injuries can cause serious limitations to your life, so working with an attorney is often in your best interest.
How to Diagnosis and Treat Sprains and Strains
You should see your doctor as soon as possible after any accident; after calling law enforcement, it is the next step you should take. It’s not always clear that you have suffered a strain or sprain, so it’s best to seek immediate medical attention after a crash.
To diagnose your injury, your medical provider may:
- Ask you to describe what happened during the accident.
- Take X-rays to rule out fractures
- Complete MRI scans to look for damage to the soft tissues.
After your diagnosis, treatment of sprains and strains typically involves two stages:
- Reducing swelling and pain through rest, anti-inflammatory medication, and pain relievers.
- Rehabilitation through physical therapy and exercise to improve strength, flexibility, and range of motion.
Make sure to keep track of all medical bills, receipts for prescriptions, and documentation from your doctor. This will help your attorney get the best possible compensation if you are eligible to file a lawsuit.
Seeking Damages from Sprain or Strain Injuries
Even if you are undergoing treatment, sprains and strains can have serious impacts on your daily life. You may find it difficult to handle basic daily tasks, like bathing or getting dressed. The injury may also limit your ability to work during recovery.
If someone else’s negligence was the cause of your accident, you should discuss your claim with a neck and back injury attorney serving New York. You may be entitled to compensation for lost wages, medical bills, or even pain and suffering in the case of a serious accident. Buttafuoco & Associates helps injured New York residents defend their rights and get the compensation they deserve.
Call 1-800-NOW-HURT for a free case review.