Younger residents of Connecticut and across the U.S. have a high chance of getting into motor vehicle accidents, which are the leading cause of spinal cord injuries among them. There are several reasons behind this phenomenon.
How do motor vehicle accidents lead to SCI?
Most SCIs that result from motor vehicle accidents happen when the spine is severely compressed, torn or dislocated. The type of accident will determine how exactly the spine gets damaged. For example, in a frontal collision, the impact could crush the vertebrae in the lower back while a rear-end collision might damage the bones and discs in the neck.
There are other ways that motor vehicle accidents can cause SCI, beyond the spine getting damaged. A traumatic brain injury is also a common result of such accidents. This can happen when the head hits an object with great force or when an object penetrates the skull and damages the brain tissue.
Why are younger people at high risk for SCI in motor vehicle accidents?
First of all, younger people are more likely to be involved in motor vehicle accidents than older individuals. This is due to a number of factors, including inexperience, recklessness and impulsive behavior.
There are also certain anatomical factors that make younger people more susceptible to serious injuries – all types including TBI, spinal cord injuries and more in motor vehicle accidents, depending on their age. For example, the bones and discs in the necks of young people are not as strong and well-developed as those of adults. This makes it more likely for the neck to get injured in a collision.
As a young person, the first and best thing you can do is to avoid getting into a motor vehicle accident in the first place. This means being a safe, responsible driver and always wearing your seatbelt. You can also take measures to protect yourself from SCI if you are involved in an accident. For instance, if you are involved in a high-speed collision, you can reduce the risk of SCI by making sure that your headrest is properly adjusted.
