Medical Terms Explained: Neck and Back Injuries - JLG

Neck and back injuries are common in personal injury accidents, creating lasting consequences for injury victims and their families. At Jones Law Group, we understand how to negotiate effectively for the compensation you need for your personal injury damages. Don’t hesitate to call us at (727) 571-1333 or fill out a contact form to set up a free consultation.

Medical Terms – Neck and Back Injuries

Prior to checking out a list of specific medical terms, review our easy-to-digest overview of the back. Your spinal column consists of 31 vertebrae which are bones stacked upon one another that house and protect the spinal canal. The individual vertebrae in the vertebral column are separated by discs.

The discs in your spine allow for movement and act as shock absorbers. Each disc is made up of a center portion of a gel-like material which is surrounded by fibrous material that keeps the gel in place. Think of a jelly doughnut. The jelly is the nucleus and the surrounding doughnut is the annulus. If the doughnut is compressed the jelly will move to the edges and out of the center where it belongs.

This can result in serious neck and back injuries. In a personal injury accident, trauma to the neck and back is one of the most common causes of catastrophic injuries.

Annulus Fibrosus

Annulus fibrosus is the tough fibrous exterior of the invertebral discs. If we go back to the jelly doughnut example, this is the doughnut.

Bulging Disc

A bulging disc is a medical condition that describes a disc that bulges outside of the space that it should normally occupy. They result from a stretching or weakening of the annulus fibrosus which allows the nucleus pulposus to occupy a larger area. If we go back to the jelly doughnut example, imagine applying pressure to the jelly doughnut to a point in which the sides expand, but do not allow any of the jelly to escape.

Burst Fractures

Burst fractures are severe and are usually caused by trauma or extreme blunt force. The vertebra has been crushed and the spinal column and cord compromised. This type of fracture is unstable and requires immediate medical care.

Caudal Migration

Caudal migration describes the conditions when a piece of disc material breaks off and begins traveling down the spine. If we go back to the jelly doughnut example, a caudal migration describes a condition in which the jelly escapes the doughnut and moves away from the doughnut.

Cervical Radiculopathy

Cervical Radiculopathy is the damage to the nerve function that results when one of the nerves near the cervical vertebrae is compressed. A slip and fall, car accident, motorcycle accident, bicycle accident, or pedestrian accident can cause cervical radiculopathy. Its symptoms include pain that radiates from the upper back into the shoulder(s) and arm(s).

Cervical Spinal Cord Injury

The cervical area of the spine is located primarily in the neck. It may be noted by the shorthand C1-C8 which describes each vertebra in the cervical region. Spinal cord injuries occur when the bones protecting the spinal cord are damaged causing the spinal cord to be damaged. Injuries to the cervical area of the spinal cord may cause complete paralysis beginning at the location of the injury and extending down. Many times this injury results in quadriplegia.

Compression Fracture

A compression fracture is the collapse of a vertebra. Compression fractures can occur as a result of a slip and fall, car accident, motorcycle accident, bicycle accident, or pedestrian accident.

Compression-Torsion-Translation Fracture

Compression-Torsion-Translation Fractures result from multiple forces. As the name implies this spinal fracture occurs when there is compression, twisting, turning, and movement without rotation.

Flexion Compression Fracture

This type of fracture more commonly occurs at T1 and L1 vertebral bodies and typically involves some loss of vertebral height. Providers utilize X-rays to determine the stability of the fracture. If the middle and posterior columns are intact, the fracture is likely stable. In those cases, providers typically treat the injury with conservative measures.

Flexion Distraction Fracture

Another name for this injury is a Chance Fracture. It is often the result of a car accident where the victim was wearing a seat belt. All three columns of the vertebral body are involved with possible injury to the disc, ligaments, and bone. It is an unstable fracture that requires immediate medical evaluation and stabilization.

Herniated Disc

A herniated disc is a medical condition in which a tear in the annulus fibrosus allows the nucleus pulposus to escape. If we go back to the jelly doughnut example, a herniated disc describes a condition in which the jelly escapes the doughnut.

Intervertebral Disc

Intervertebral discs lie between adjacent vertebrae in the spinal column. They allow for movement in the spine. Additionally, they act as shock absorbers along the spine.

Lumbar Spinal Cord Injury

The lumbar area of the spine is located primarily in the lower back. Providers may note it with the shorthand L1-L5. This describes each vertebra in the lumbar region. Spinal cord injuries occur when the bones protecting the spinal cord are damaged causing the spinal cord to be damaged. Injuries to the lumbar area of the spinal cord may cause complete paralysis beginning at the location of the injury and extending down. Many times this injury results in paraplegia.

Nucleus Pulposus

The nucleus pulposus is the inner core of the vertebral discs. If we go back to the jelly doughnut example, it is the jelly.

Paraplegia

Paraplegia refers to a condition in which there is a loss of sensation in and the ability to move the lower extremities. The paralysis is usually present from the point of injury to the spinal cord and extends downward.

Quadriplegia

Quadriplegia refers to a condition in which there is a loss of sensation and the inability to move either the arms or legs. Typically, the paralysis begins at the point of injury to the spinal cord and extends downward.

Sacral Spinal Cord Injury

The sacral area of the spine is located at the bottom of the spinal column in the hip area. It may be noted by the shorthand S1-S5 which describes each vertebra in the sacral region. Spinal cord injuries occur when the bones protecting the spinal cord are damaged causing the spinal cord to be damaged. Injuries to the sacral area of the spinal cord typically cause incontinence issues and sexual dysfunction.

Sacrum

The sacrum is a large, triangular bone located at the base of the spine and lies between the fifth segment of the lumbar spine and the tailbone. From a functional standpoint, the sacrum connects the hip bones to the spine.

Sciatica

Sciatica is a term that describes pain and/or numbness that originates in the lower back and radiates down the leg(s). However, sciatica is not a medical diagnosis. Instead, it is a symptom of an underlying medical condition such as a herniated disc or spinal stenosis. Sciatica can be caused by a slip and fall, car accident, motorcycle accident, bicycle accident, or pedestrian accident.

Spinal Canal

The spine, otherwise referred to as your backbone, is a column of vertebral bones stacked upon one another separated by discs. Each vertebra has a hole in its center which lines up with the vertebra above and below. The spinal canal is the opening in the vertebrae through which the spinal cord runs.

Spinal Cord

The spinal cord is a long bundle of nerves that extends from the brainstem to the lumbar region of the back. Essentially, the spinal cord transmits messages from the brain to the rest of your body. The spinal cord also has neural circuits that can independently control numerous reflexes.

Spinal Cord Injury

Spinal cord injuries occur when the bones protecting the spinal cord are damaged causing the spinal cord to be damaged. Medical providers classify spinal cord injuries as complete or incomplete. An incomplete spinal cord injury means that some of the ability to transmit messages is still possible. There still may be some ability to move or perceive sensations below the point of injury in an incomplete spinal injury.

Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spaces in the spine which can cause pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. When one vertebra slips forward onto another it can narrow the spinal canal. Other injuries associated with accidents also can cause spinal stenosis such as dislocation of the spine or burst fractures which actually send bone fragments into the spinal canal.

Thoracic Spinal Cord Injury

The thoracic area of the spine is located in the center of the spine and extends from the base of the neck down to the end of the rib cage. It may be noted by the shorthand T1-C12 which describes each vertebra in the thoracic region. Spinal cord injuries occur when the bones protecting the spinal cord are damaged causing the spinal cord to be damaged. Injuries to the thoracic area of the spinal cord may cause complete paralysis beginning at the location of the injury and extending down. Many times this injury results in paraplegia.

Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome or TMJ

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome is a disorder of the jaw muscles and nerves caused by injury to the temporomandibular joint. The temporomandibular joint is the connection between the jawbone to the skull. The injured temporomandibular joint leads to pain with chewing, clicking, and popping of the jaw; swelling on the sides of the face; nerve inflammation; headaches; tooth grinding; Eustachian tube dysfunction; and sometimes dislocation of the temporomandibular joint. Temporomandibular joint syndrome is also known as temporomandibular joint disorder.

Vertebra

Vertebrae are the bones that comprise the backbone. The vertebrae are complex structures each consisting of bone and cartilage. There is a hole in each vertebra that forms the spinal column and houses the spinal cord.

Whiplash

Whiplash is a non-medical term that is given to an injury which is very common in rear-end car accidents. The name is derived from the manner in which the head snaps back then forward and back again causing injury to the neck and middle of the spine. Oftentimes, the pain associated with whiplash does not manifest itself until several days after the accident. The medical term for whiplash is cervical acceleration-deceleration (CAD).

What Damages Can You Claim for Neck and Back Injuries?

Neck and back injuries can drastically alter a person’s daily life, bringing about both severe physical discomfort and significant financial burdens. These injuries often necessitate comprehensive medical attention and can lead to extended periods away from work, making compensation claims essential for recovery and stability. 

In Florida, a personal injury attorney can be instrumental in helping you seek the compensation you deserve, covering a wide array of non-economic and economic damages, such as:

• Medical Expenses: This includes all costs associated with hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, chiropractic treatment, and necessary medications.
• Lost Income: Compensation for wages lost due to inability to work during recovery, as well as any potential future earnings if the injury leads to long-term disability.
• Pain and Suffering: Monetary compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress endured as a result of the injury.
• Loss of Earning Capacity: If the injury affects your ability to perform your job or limits your career options, you may be entitled to compensation for diminished earning potential.
• Rehabilitation and Long-term Care: Costs for ongoing medical assistance or therapy needed to regain mobility and function.
• Property Damage: Reimbursement for any property that was damaged in the accident, such as your vehicle.
• Emotional Distress: Compensation for psychological effects and mental anguish stemming from the trauma of the accident and its aftermath.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Damages for the loss of ability to participate in activities and hobbies that were once an enjoyable part of your life.

By pursuing these claims, you can alleviate some of the burdens brought on by neck and back injuries. Consequently, this paves the way for a more stable and manageable recovery process.

Why It’s Important to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer for Cases Involving Neck and Back Injuries

Why should you hire a personal injury lawyer? When neck and back injuries result from someone else’s negligence, navigating the legal landscape alone can be overwhelming. Engaging a seasoned Florida personal injury lawyer is crucial to ensuring your rights are protected, and you receive the compensation you deserve.

Expertise in Personal Injury Law

An experienced personal injury lawyer in Florida brings valuable knowledge and understanding of the state’s legal system. They can effectively interpret complex laws and regulations, ensuring your case is built on a solid legal foundation.

Accurate Case Evaluation

Determining the value of your claim is not straightforward. A skilled lawyer can accurately evaluate your case, considering all factors like medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress, to ensure you pursue the full compensation you’re entitled to.

Negotiating Skills

Insurance companies often aim to settle claims for neck and back injuries for the least amount possible. A proficient personal injury lawyer knows the tactics insurers use and can negotiate assertively on your behalf, increasing the likelihood of securing a fair settlement.

Litigation Support

If settlement negotiations do not go your way, having a lawyer who is prepared to take your case to court is invaluable. They will represent you throughout the litigation process, presenting compelling arguments and evidence to advocate for your best interests.

Stress Reduction

Managing the aftermath of an accident and trying to recover damages while dealing with long-term disabilities or injuries is stressful. By hiring a personal injury lawyer, you can focus on your recovery while they handle the legal complexities, paperwork, and communication with other parties involved.

By leveraging the expertise of a Florida personal injury lawyer, you can navigate the claims process more effectively and work toward a resolution that addresses the full scope of your suffering and losses.

Contact Jones Law Group About Claims for Neck and Back Injuries

Have you or a loved one been injured in an accident? Contact an experienced St. Petersburg personal injury law firm today. When you contact our office we will immediately set an appointment where you will meet your attorney and be provided with their personal contact information. If you do not have transportation or you cannot drive, your attorney will travel to meet you and discuss your case with you.

If you or a loved one has sustained neck and back injuries as a result of a slip and fall, a car accident, a motorcycle accident, a bicycle accident, or a pedestrian accident, you should immediately call an experienced personal injury attorney in St. Petersburg at Jones Law Group. Use (727) 571-1333 during regular business hours or (727) 753-8657 on weekends or after regular business hours. We will evaluate your case for free and you will never pay us a dime unless we recover compensation for your injuries.

Jones Law Group
5622 Central Avenue
St. Pete, FL 33707