Motor vehicle accidents in Oklahoma can cause all types of injuries. Head injuries, back injuries and broken bones are some of the most common injuries received during car accidents. Injuries to the bladder also occur but at a lower rate than most injuries.
The National Institute of Health reports that motor vehicle accidents only occasionally cause damage to the bladder. One explanation is that the bladder has protection because of its location in the body. The bladder, which is between the pelvic bones, has a certain amount of protection from external harm. But under certain circumstances, the bladder can receive damage.
Direct damage
Penetration or blunt force trauma is usually to blame if the bladder receives damage during a car accident. For example, a driver might get thrown from the car and receive bladder damage during impact. Bladder damage can also occur if the driver is crushed between the steering wheel and the seat.
If the pelvis sustains a fracture or the abdomen receives a sharp hit, that can also injure the bladder. It might cause the bladder to compress, which means the bladder is squeezed or squished. This is a painful bladder injury that can result in permanent damage.
Spinal injury
Injuries to the spine are generally associated with back pain. However, the spine affects the bladder, too. For instance, a misaligned spine can make it difficult for the bladder to hold urine. The condition can cause a person to leak urine when they cough, sneeze, exercise or laugh.
Damage to the bladder is often temporary, but permanent damage is possible. In some cases, the bladder might repair itself following an injury. But depending on the severity of the damage and the type of injury, medical care is possibly necessary.
