Back pain after a car wreck: What you need to know
Car accidents are a leading cause of back pain, and often require medical treatment to resolve. Data from the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center suggests that roughly 38% of all back injuries after car accidents involve the spinal cord.
It’s important to get any back pain evaluated by a doctor, even if it seems minor at first. Many people don’t feel pain right away after a car accident, so it’s always a good idea to get checked out, even if you don’t think you’re injured.
This article will cover common injuries that cause back pain from car wrecks, symptoms to look out for, potential treatments, and things to consider long-term.
Common Types of Back Injuries from Car Accidents
Car accidents can cause a range of back injuries, from mild to severe. Here are some of the most common:
Soft Tissue Injuries (Sprains and Strains)
Soft tissue injuries such as sprains and strains are common after a car accident because of the sudden jolt and impact of the crash. A sprain is an injury to a ligament, while a strain affects muscles or tendons.
Symptoms include pain, stiffness, muscle spasms, and a limited range of motion. You may also experience escalating pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness.
Treatment often involves rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE), along with pain medication and physical therapy.
Herniated Discs
A herniated disc occurs when the soft inner core of a spinal disc pushes through the outer layer. This can happen due to the force of a car accident.
Head-on collisions are more likely to cause bulging discs.
Symptoms include back pain, leg pain (sciatica), numbness, tingling, and weakness. Keep in mind that symptoms may not appear for several days after the accident.
Treatment options include pain medication, physical therapy, epidural steroid injections, and, in severe cases, surgery.
Facet Joint Injuries
These injuries involve damage to the small joints between the vertebrae, often caused by whiplash or direct impact.
Facet joint injuries can also worsen existing spinal conditions.
Symptoms include localized back pain, stiffness, and pain that gets worse with certain movements.
Treatment may include pain medication, physical therapy, injections, and chiropractic care.
Whiplash and its Impact on the Lower Back
Whiplash is typically thought of as a neck injury, caused by the sudden back-and-forth movement of the head. However, it can also affect the lower back, causing pain and discomfort in that region.
Symptoms include neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and lower back pain.
Treatment usually involves pain medication, physical therapy, and rest.
What does back pain after a car accident feel like?
It’s important to realize that back pain might not appear right away after a car wreck. Adrenaline can mask pain. Research suggests that as many as 60% of car accident victims experience pain only hours or days later.
Here are some things to watch out for:
- Muscle spasms
- Reduced flexibility
- Pain that travels down your legs
- Numbness in your extremities
- Difficulty moving
Also, keep an eye out for symptoms that get worse. Escalating pain, stiffness, numbness, tingling, and weakness can all indicate a serious problem.
If you’ve been in a car wreck, seek medical attention right away. Early diagnosis is key to healing properly and avoiding chronic pain later on. Even if your back pain seems mild, don’t ignore it. It could get worse.
How is back pain after a car accident diagnosed?
If you’re experiencing back pain after a car accident, a medical professional will likely use a few methods to diagnose the source of your pain:
- Physical Examination: A doctor will check your range of motion, reflexes, and feel for areas that are tender.
- Imaging Tests:
- X-rays can show fractures or misalignments.
- MRI scans can reveal soft tissue damage to ligaments or herniated discs.
- CT scans can provide detailed images of your bones and soft tissues.
- Neurological Tests: These tests assess nerve function and can identify nerve damage.
Treatment Options for Back Pain After a Car Accident
Depending on the type and severity of your injury, you may want to consider one or more of the treatment options below.
Conservative Treatments
Often, doctors will begin with conservative treatments, such as:
- Rest and activity modification. Avoid any activities that make the pain worse, and give your back a chance to heal.
- Pain medication. Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen can help reduce pain and inflammation. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe stronger pain relievers.
- Physical therapy. A physical therapist can help you perform exercises and stretches to improve your strength, flexibility, and range of motion, which can help resolve your back pain.
Physical therapy is often a very effective way to treat back pain.
Interventional Treatments
If conservative treatments aren’t providing enough relief, your doctor may recommend interventional treatments, such as:
- Epidural steroid injections. Corticosteroids injected into the epidural space can help reduce inflammation and pain.
- Nerve blocks. These injections block pain signals from specific nerves.
Alternative Treatments
Some people find relief from alternative treatments, such as:
- Chiropractic care. Spinal adjustments can help improve alignment and reduce pain. In one study, people who received more chiropractic adjustments said they had less pain and could perform daily activities more easily.
- Acupuncture. Inserting thin needles into specific points on the body can relieve pain.
Surgical Treatments
Surgery is usually a last resort, but it may be necessary if conservative treatments don’t work and your pain is severe.
Common surgical procedures for back pain include discectomy, laminectomy, and spinal fusion.
Long-Term Considerations and Recovery
How long it takes to recover from back pain after a car wreck depends on the type and severity of your injury. Lower back pain can last for a few weeks, but it can also last longer.
If back pain lasts for more than three months, doctors classify it as chronic.
Research shows that people who have experienced low back pain from a car accident are almost three times as likely to experience it again.
In addition to the physical pain, chronic back pain can also cause depression, anxiety, and stress. It’s important to treat both the physical and emotional damage to fully recover. Support from friends, family, and therapists can improve your physical and mental health as you recover.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I go to the ER for back pain after a car accident?
If you experience severe back pain immediately after a car accident, especially if accompanied by numbness, tingling, weakness, or loss of bowel or bladder control, seek emergency medical attention. These symptoms could indicate a serious spinal injury requiring immediate treatment.
How to get rid of back pain from a car accident
Treatment for back pain after a car accident varies depending on the severity and cause. Options include physical therapy, chiropractic care, pain medication, injections, and in some cases, surgery. Start with a medical evaluation to determine the best course of action. Rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain relievers can provide temporary relief for mild pain.
How much compensation for back pain after a car accident
Compensation for back pain after a car accident depends on the severity of the injury, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. It’s difficult to estimate an exact amount, but consulting with a personal injury attorney can help you understand your rights and potential compensation. Factors like permanent disability or chronic pain will increase the settlement value.
How long does back pain last after a car accident
The duration of back pain after a car accident varies greatly. Mild strains might resolve within a few weeks with proper care. More severe injuries, like herniated discs or whiplash, can cause chronic pain lasting months or even years. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for a quicker recovery.
Final Thoughts
To sum it up, back pain is a common complaint after a car accident. It can result from a variety of injuries, including strained or sprained muscles and ligaments, herniated discs, and facet joint injuries.
If you’ve been in a car wreck and you’re experiencing back pain, it’s important to seek medical attention right away. Getting an early diagnosis and treatment plan can help prevent long-term problems.
Managing back pain often requires a comprehensive approach. Medical treatments, physical therapy, and even mental health support can help you cope with pain and improve your overall quality of life.