A lumbar spinal cord injury from an accident can have life-changing consequences. The lumbar spine, located in the lower back between the thoracic and sacral regions, supports much of the body’s weight and controls leg movement. It also affects bladder and bowel function and other essential processes. A spinal cord injury from a car accident, fall, or other traumatic event can result in impacts ranging from persistent lower back pain to partial or complete paralysis from the waist down.
According to the National Institutes of Health, approximately 18,000 new spinal cord injuries occur each year in the United States, and an estimated 255,000 to 390,000 people are currently living with spinal cord injuries nationwide. For many of them, the long-term effects of a lumbar injury include chronic pain, loss of independence, surgery, ongoing rehabilitation, and a dramatically altered quality of life.
The Dibella Law Injury and Accident Lawyers understand these cases aren’t just medical. They’re personal. If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury in an accident caused by someone else, our spinal cord injury lawyers can help you understand your legal rights and fight for the resources you need to move forward.
Symptoms and Long-Term Impact of a Lumbar Spine Injury
The lumbar spine contains five vertebrae, L1 through L5, and the spinal nerves that branch out from this area are crucial for mobility and sensory function in the lower body. Injuries to the lumbar spine can disrupt critical motor and sensory functions in the lower body because it supports body weight, facilitates movement, and protects spinal nerves that branch into the legs, pelvis, and feet. The severity of your injuries depends on which vertebra was injured and whether the spinal cord or surrounding nerves were compressed, stretched, or severed.
L1 Vertebra
The L1 vertebra sits below the thoracic spine and is responsible for hip and groin function. An injury here may result in the following impacts:
- Numbness or tingling in the hips or thighs
- Weakness in the legs
- Impaired hip flexion
- Bowel and bladder dysfunction, in severe cases
Since L1 is so high in the lumbar region, damage could also resemble an incomplete spinal cord injury, possibly affecting both legs, resulting in paraplegia.
L2 Vertebra
The L2 vertebra affects muscles that help lift the upper leg and bend the hip. Common symptoms of an L2 injury include the following:
- Difficulties with walking or standing
- Loss of sensation in the upper thigh
- Reduced hip mobility
- Neuropathic pain in the lower back or groin
L2 injuries can make performing many everyday tasks difficult.
L3 Vertebra
The L3 vertebra controls knee extension and upper leg function. Damage to this vertebra can lead to the following:
- Quadriceps weakness or paralysis
- Knee instability or buckling
- Pain or tingling in the thigh and inner knee
- Impaired reflexes in the lower limbs
L3 injuries often require physical therapy and mobility aids.
L4 Vertebra
The L4 vertebra plays a crucial role in lower leg and ankle function. Symptoms of an L4 injury include the following:
- Loss of sensation in the lower leg and foot
- Difficulty lifting the foot
- Burning pain radiating down the leg
- Difficulty with balance and walking
This area of the lumbar is prone to disc herniation, which can compress nerves and require surgical intervention.
L5 Vertebra
The L5 vertebra governs the ability to move the big toes and ankles. Injuries here often cause the following:
- Tingling or numbness in the top of the foot
- Weakness in the ankle and toes
- Difficult walking on heels or rising from a seated position
- Radiating pain down the leg, also known as sciatica
Because L5 is the lowest vertebra in the lumbar spine, damage often affects the transition point between the lumbar spine and the sacral region, decreasing mobility and complicating the recovery process.
Regardless of which vertebra is affected, a lumbar spinal cord injury from an accident can have long-term effects that extend beyond the physical. At DiBella Law, we know that recovery isn’t just about healing. It’s about restoring your quality of life. If you are coping with the long-term effects of a lumbar injury from an accident, our team is here to fight for the care and compensation you deserve.
The Role of Early and Ongoing Medical Treatment After Injury
After a lumbar spinal cord injury from an accident, seek immediate medical care. Even if the symptoms seem mild initially, diagnostic imaging can reveal damage to the vertebrae, discs, or nerves that may not be obvious but could worsen over time. Swift treatment helps prevent complications and protects both your health and legal claim.
While 90 percent of lumbar strains and sprains heal within a month, these injuries can develop into chronic conditions unless proactive steps are taken to correct poor posture, lifting techniques, or repetitive stress that contributed to the problem.
Long-term recovery often involves a combination of medical care, pain management, and physical rehabilitation. Depending on the severity of the injury, treatments may range from conservative therapy to surgical intervention and months of rehabilitative therapy to restore strength and mobility.
Emotional support and lifestyle adjustments are also essential, as the physical and psychological toll of a spinal injury can be long-lasting. At DiBella Law, we help clients secure the care, time, and compensation they need to recover fully and reclaim their independence.
Contact DiBella Law for Help With Your Lumbar Spinal Cord Injury From an Accident
If you or someone you love has suffered a lumbar spinal cord injury from an accident, you don’t have to face the road ahead alone. At DiBella Law Injury and Accident Lawyers, we combine decades of experience with a deeply personal understanding of what our clients are going through. From car crashes to catastrophic falls, we’ve helped people across Massachusetts and New Hampshire navigate the emotional, physical, and financial impacts of spinal cord injuries. We’re ready to help you, too.
Our nationally recognized firm offers a free consultation, and with our No Win, No Fee promise, you can pursue justice without any worries about the cost. We offer the latest in advanced technology, like our online pain chart, instant case evaluator, and secure mobile app, to make your case as smooth and stress-free as possible. Let us help you move forward after an injury.
Contact us today to take the first step toward healing.