Lower back pain is an incredibly common complaint after a car accident. In fact, back and spinal cord injuries make up roughly 38% of all car accident-related back injuries.
If you’re experiencing lower back pain after a car accident, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Even if you don’t feel pain right away, it’s important to get checked out. Studies have shown that approximately 60% of car accident victims experience delayed pain.
This article will cover the causes of lower back pain after a car accident, common injuries, symptoms to watch out for, treatment options, and what you can expect during recovery.
What causes lower back pain after a car accident?
If you’re experiencing lower back pain after a car accident, it’s important to understand why.
When cars collide, the laws of physics are in full effect. The sudden stop and impact can place a lot of stress on your muscles, ligaments, and spinal discs in your lower back. The forces are so intense that they can cause injury.
Different types of collisions may cause different types of injuries. For instance, head-on collisions can lead to bulging discs, while side-swipe collisions can result in nerve pain.
It’s also important to remember that adrenaline can hide pain right after an accident. This can lead to people delaying treatment for injuries because they don’t realize how badly they’re hurt.
What are the symptoms of lower back pain after a car accident?
Lower back pain after a car accident can show up in many ways. The pain might start mild and gradually get worse if you don’t treat it.
Here are some other common symptoms:
- Stiffness: Your lower back might feel stiff, and it might be hard to move around normally. Muscle tightness can make it hard to bend or twist.
- Numbness or tingling: You might feel numbness or pins and needles in your lower back, which could mean that a nerve is involved.
- Muscle spasms: Your back muscles might clench up uncontrollably, especially after moving a certain way. This is often a sign that your muscles are trying to protect an injury.
- Radiating pain: The pain might spread down into your buttocks or legs. This could be a sign of sciatica or some other kind of nerve compression.
- Trouble moving: You might find it difficult to walk, stand for long periods, or even get out of bed.
Types of Lower Back Injuries Resulting from Car Accidents
Car accidents can cause a variety of lower back injuries, ranging from mild to severe. Here’s a breakdown of some common types:
Soft Tissue Injuries (Sprains and Strains)
These are probably the most common type of back injury after a car accident. A sprain happens when you overstretch or tear a ligament, which is the tissue that connects bones to each other. A strain, on the other hand, affects muscles or tendons, which connect muscles to bones.
With soft tissue injuries, you’ll likely have pain, swelling, and a limited range of motion. The good news is that most back strains and sprains heal within a week or two.
Herniated Discs
Between each of your vertebrae (the bones in your spine) are discs that act as cushions. During a car crash, the force of the impact can cause one of these discs to bulge out (herniate) or even rupture. Sometimes the symptoms don’t start right away and can take days to appear.
A herniated disc can cause pain, numbness, tingling, and even weakness in your legs or feet. While it can be quite painful, most people recover from herniated disc pain within 2 to 6 weeks.
Facet Joint Injuries
Facet joints are the joints in your spine that allow you to bend and twist. These joints can be injured in a car accident, and these injuries can be complex, sometimes worsening any spinal conditions you already had.
If you’ve injured a facet joint, you may experience pain, stiffness, and a limited range of motion in your back.
Spondylolisthesis
Spondylolisthesis occurs when one of your vertebrae slips forward over the vertebra below it. A car accident can cause this slippage or make an existing condition worse.
The symptoms of spondylolisthesis can include lower back pain, muscle spasms, and stiffness.
Diagnosis and Treatment Options for Lower Back Pain
If you’re experiencing lower back pain after a car accident, it’s important to get a professional assessment right away. A healthcare provider will be able to diagnose the source of the pain and put together a treatment plan that addresses your specific needs.
Diagnostic Methods
There are a variety of diagnostic methods that doctors use to identify back injuries. These include:
- X-rays. These can help identify fractures or other problems with the bones in your spine.
- MRI scans. MRIs provide detailed images of the soft tissues in your back, including the muscles, ligaments, and discs.
- CT scans. CT scans can also provide detailed images of your spine and surrounding tissues.
Treatment Options
The best treatment plan for lower back pain will depend on the severity of your injury and your individual needs. At Alexander Orthopaedics, our goal is to create a personalized treatment plan that helps you get back to your normal activities as quickly and safely as possible.
Some common treatment options for lower back pain include:
- Physical therapy. A physical therapist can teach you exercises to strengthen your back muscles and improve your range of motion.
- Chiropractic care. A chiropractor can use spinal manipulation and other techniques to help alleviate pain and improve mobility.
- Injection treatments. Epidural steroid injections can help reduce inflammation and pain in the lower back.
- Exercise. Staying active is a crucial component of recovery from lower back pain.
Taking care of yourself at home
After a car accident, you can do a few things at home to help your back heal. Rest, ice, and heat can soothe pain and reduce swelling. Gentle stretches and exercises can improve blood flow to the injured tissues and help you regain movement. Over-the-counter pain medicines may also provide short-term relief.
Here are some things you can do at home to improve your recovery:
- Limit your activity for a couple of weeks.
- Don’t lift anything heavy or twist your back for about six weeks.
- When you sleep, curl up on your side or put a pillow under your knees.
- Use ice packs for the first few days, then switch to heat.
To prevent future back injuries, try to:
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Strengthen your back muscles with regular exercise.
- Use proper form when you lift things.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common pain after a car accident?
Neck pain, often from whiplash, is probably the most common complaint after a car accident. However, lower back pain is a close second. The sudden jolt and impact can strain muscles, ligaments, and even the spinal discs in your lower back.
Can you get compensation for lower back pain after a car accident?
Absolutely. If the accident was caused by someone else’s negligence, you’re generally entitled to compensation for your injuries, including lower back pain. This can cover medical expenses, lost wages, and even pain and suffering. Document everything carefully and consult with a personal injury attorney.
Why does my lower back hurt after a T-bone accident?
A T-bone accident, where one vehicle hits another on the side, often results in significant lateral force. This force can cause your body to twist violently, putting tremendous stress on your lower back. The sudden impact can lead to muscle strains, ligament sprains, or even disc injuries.
How long does lower back pain last after a car accident?
The duration of lower back pain varies. Mild strains might resolve within a few weeks with rest and physical therapy. More severe injuries, like disc herniations or fractures, can take months to heal and may even require surgery. Chronic pain is also a possibility in some cases, requiring long-term management.
The Bottom Line
If you’ve been in a car accident, it’s essential to seek medical attention right away, even if you feel fine. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for the best possible recovery, especially when it comes to lower back pain.
Lower back pain after a car accident can range from muscle strains and sprains to herniated discs, spinal fractures, and whiplash. Fortunately, effective treatments are available, including physical therapy, pain medication, injections, and, in some cases, surgery.
If left untreated, lower back injuries can lead to chronic pain, nerve damage, and other long-term complications that can significantly impact your quality of life. Don’t delay in seeking help.
Talk to a doctor or physical therapist about your symptoms and treatment options. With the right care and support, you can manage your lower back pain and get back to living your life to the fullest.