Can a Car Accident Cause Scoliosis?

Did you suffer a severe back injury in a car accident? If so, the slightest movement could cause excruciating pain, leaving you unable to work or participate in everyday activities. In addition, one common type of back condition people suffer in collisions is scoliosis, which could result in long-term complications.

Contact our Alabama car accident lawyers for more information on what scoliosis is, how it can happen after a car crash, and how you may be able to recover compensation for your injuries.

What Is Scoliosis?

According to the Mayo Clinic, scoliosis is a back condition where the spine curves to the left or right side of the body instead of running straight down your back. This curve causes the spine to form a “C” or elongated “S” shape. While people with cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy are more likely to develop scoliosis, it’s often the result of a traumatic accident or spinal injury.

Can a Car Crash Cause Scoliosis?

Car accidents frequently cause back or spinal cord injuries, including scoliosis in some cases. The force from a collision can put intense pressure on the spine, causing the spine to curve due to this pressure.

Not only can auto collisions cause traumatic scoliosis from an injury, but they can also aggravate pre-existing scoliosis. Many people are born with the condition, although the cause is not known. The impact of a car crash can worsen the pre-existing scoliosis symptoms and require advanced treatments.

Back Pain After a Car Accident and Symptoms of Scoliosis

Car accidents are one of the most frequent causes of back pain and spinal cord injuries. According to research from the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center, car accidents were the cause of about 32 percent of all spinal cord injuries nationwide in one recent year. In addition, car crashes were the most common cause of spinal cord injuries by a significant margin, as the number two and three causes of spinal cord injuries were falls at nearly 23 percent and gunshot wounds at around 15 percent.

According to the Mayo Clinic, some of the common symptoms of scoliosis after a car accident include:

• One shoulder blade sticking out more than the other
• One hip sitting higher than the other
• One side of the rib cage sticking out
• A bulge on the side of the back when bending forward
• Uneven shoulders
• Back pain

Settlements for Scoliosis from a Car Accident

A severe case of scoliosis can be debilitating. If someone else’s negligence caused your condition, an experienced car accident lawyer could help you seek compensation for the following:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Reduced future income
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Damaged personal property

Contact a Car Accident Lawyer to Get Compensation for Your Scoliosis

If you have developed scoliosis after a collision that was someone else’s fault, the Alabama car accident attorneys at Stokes Stemle, LLC could help you pursue compensation for your injuries. Call our office today or visit our contact page for a free consultation.