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Soft Tissue Injuries from Car Accidents

By Jason Bottlinger on March 9, 2022

A tissue is a group of cells with a similar structure that work together to perform a particular function in your body. Skin, nerves, and blood are all types of tissue.

A soft tissue injury results from trauma to three different types of tissue: muscle, ligament, and bone. These injuries are a common result of automobile crashes. A soft tissue injuries happens when blunt force, a penetrating object, or a violent motion causes injury to the body.

Soft tissue injuries can range in severity from mild to life-threatening. Sometimes, the full extent of the damage is not apparent until hours or even days after the injury occurs.

Examples of Soft Tissue Injuries

Soft tissue injuries include:

  • Sprains. A sprain occurs when a ligament is partially or completely torn. Ligaments connect bones to joints. Sprains happen because a ligament is stretched, twisted, or pulled beyond its normal range of motion. A sprain may occur anywhere your body moves or bends, such as ankles, knees, and elbows. Minor sprains can heal on their own, but more serious sprains may require medical care such as surgery.
  • Strains. A strain happens when a muscle or tendon is twisted or stretched in an abnormal way. A tendon is a fibrous connective tissue that attaches muscle to bone. Strains commonly occur in the neck, back, or knees. Stains are often mild, but a serious strain can take months to heal.
  • Tendonitis occurs when a tendon becomes swollen, often as a result of repetitive motion. Rest, ice, and elevation are used to treat tendonitis, but more severe cases may require medical intervention.
  • Bursitis is the inflammation of the bursa, small sacs of fluid that prevent friction in your joints. Bursitis can be caused by trauma or repetitive motion. It frequently occurs in the elbow, and it can be very painful, making motion difficult.

Accidents That Cause Soft Tissue Injuries

The following types of accidents may lead to soft tissue injuries:

What Is Whiplash?

Whiplash is a type of soft tissue injury that impacts the muscle and tendons in and around your neck. It happens when the head is forcefully thrown backward and then forward.

A sudden blow from behind can cause whiplash and it frequently happens to a driver or passenger in a stationary car that is rear-ended by another vehicle. People can sustain serious whiplash by being rear-ended, even if the car that hits you isn’t going very fast.

Symptoms of whiplash include:

  • Back, neck, and shoulder pain
  • Memory and cognitive issues
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Headaches
  • Fatigue
  • Vertigo
  • Anxiety
  • Blurred vision
  • Disrupted sleep
  • Ringing in the ears

Whiplash can cause severe pain and seriously restrict your freedom of motion. In some cases, it can even cause brain injury or death. Treatment for whiplash may include rest, injections, medication, physical therapy, foam collars, and alternative remedies such as chiropractic care. In rare cases, surgery is required to treat whiplash. Between 25 and 40 percent of whiplash victims never completely recover from their injuries.

Injured in a Car Accident?

An experienced Omaha personal injury attorney will investigate your accident and file a claim to get you the best possible settlement to cover the cost of your medical care. At Bottlinger Law L.L.C., we listen to your concerns with compassion.

We handle cases in Nebraska, Iowa, Texas, and throughout the Midwest. Call (402) 505-8234 today for a FREE consultation. We’re on your side.

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