Your spinal cord is supported and protected by the spine. The spine is made up of 23 vertebrae that interlock via bone protrusions (facets), muscles, ligaments and discs. A compression fracture occurs when the vertebrae are squeezed, compressed and ultimately broken down to a smaller height.
If you experienced a spinal cord injury, talk to a spinal cord injury lawyer in San Diego. You may be entitled to financial compensation for your injuries. Read on to learn more about vertebral compression fractures and how to secure your legal rights.
Causes of Vertebral Compression Fractures
Vertebral compression fractures are a common type of spinal cord injury -- but that doesn't mean it is any less painful than other types of spinal cord injuries. In fact, they can be one of the most painful kinds of injuries.
How do compression factors commonly occur? Most cases happen as a result of a car accident, but slip and fall accidents may also cause a vertebral compression fracture. Common types of accidents that may lead to a compression fracture include:
- Rear-end car accidents. A rear-end car accident can force the spine into an unnatural position. Ultimately, the force can cause enough stress to fracture and compress the vertebrae.
- Side-impact car accidents. A side-impact crash can cause the body and spine to move unnaturally. The sudden and awkward movement can cause damage to the spine.
- Slip and fall accidents. A sudden fall can cause a person to land on their hip or buttocks. The force of the fall can then impact the integrity of the spine.
Vertebral Compression Fracture Symptoms
It's important to seek medical care if you suspect a vertebral compression fracture. A doctor can diagnose you and provide referrals for more specialized care. If you suspect you may have a compression fracture, you may be experiencing:
- Lower back pain. Pain in the lower back is a good indicator of a compression fracture. However, an individual may also experience pain in the upper back or neck. Still, some people have hip, abdominal or thigh pain.
- Numbness, tingling, and weakness. Any abnormal functioning of the body could indicate a compression of the nerves at the fracture site.
- Urinary incontinence. Many people may lose voluntary control over their urinary functions in severe cases. As a result, urinary incontinence is a fairly common symptom of severe compression fractures. Increased pressure on the spinal cord may be a cause of an individual's incontinence.
San Diego Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers on your Side
Right now, you need someone who can make legal sense of your spinal cord injury. You need someone who can reduce your stress, and help you gain control over what's to come. We know that right now, you are in the midst of an incredibly stressful life event. Our lawyers can help.
Call us right now at 1-858-551-2090 and speak to a spinal cord injury lawyer for free. Or, email us your questions. A personal injury lawyer specializing in spinal cord injuries will answer your questions for free. You pay nothing to us unless we win your case.
We handle all cases on a contingency fee basis, which means that you owe us nothing until we recover money on your behalf.