Back Injuries After a Car Accident 

James D. Payer | August 16, 2024 | Car Accidents

A car accident can change your life in an instant. The aftermath of a crash can include confusion, pain, and ongoing injuries. One of the most common and debilitating types of injuries after a car crash is back pain. 

Your back pain may be acute and short-lived or chronic and severe. It’s important to understand the various types of back injuries that can manifest after a car crash so you can seek treatment and hold those responsible accountable for your pain and suffering. Here’s everything you need to know. 

What Types of Crashes Cause a Back Injury?

Any type of car crash can cause back pain. Your vehicle travels at high speeds, and a crash can suddenly jolt your body in unnatural directions. However, a few types of impacts can be particularly dangerous.

Intersection crashes are a prime example. During these types of collisions, your vehicle is traveling in one direction and suddenly struck from one side. 

Another high-risk collision is a rear-end crash. If another car collides with the back of your vehicle, it can jar your spine and cause severe injuries. These types of crashes are especially dangerous if you are stopped at a red light or stop sign when the impact occurs.  

What kinds of back injuries does a car accident actually cause? Your back is a complex and large area of your body. It contains muscles, tendons, bones, and, of course, your spine. Here are a few of the many different injuries you might suffer during a vehicle crash. 

Whiplash

Whiplash occurs when your neck and head are suddenly jolted backward and then forward, creating a whip-like motion. This can strain the muscles and ligaments in your neck and upper back. Whiplash can be common during rear-end crashes and head-on collisions. 

Some symptoms of whiplash include:

• Neck pain and stiffness
• Headaches
• Shoulder and upper back pain
• Reduced range of motion
• Tingling and numbness in the arms

If you have any of these ailments, seek treatment right away. 

Herniated Discs

A herniated disc occurs when the rubbery part of a vertebrae is pushed through a tear in the outside of the disc. It can cause pain, burning, and inflammation. 

Some symptoms include:

• Numbness or tingling in the legs or feet
• Pain radiating down the legs
• Intense lower back pain
• Muscle weakness

It can be difficult to treat a herniated disc. Fortunately, these injuries can get better with rest and therapy. It may take weeks or months to fully recover, though. 

Spinal Fractures

Severe car accidents can result in spinal fractures, which are cracks or breaks in the vertebrae of your spine. 

Some symptoms of spinal fractures include:

• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• Muscle weakness
• Severe back pain that worsens with movement
• Numbness or tingling

It’s vital to use extreme caution if you have suffered a spinal fracture. In the most extreme cases, your doctor may need to immobilize a portion of your upper body to prevent you from worsening the injury. 

Soft Tissue Injuries

Soft tissue injuries include sprains and strains. They affect the various muscles and ligaments in your back. 

Some symptoms include:

• Swelling and bruising
• Limited range of motion
• Muscle spasms
• Pain and stiffness in your back

These injuries are common in car accidents due to the sudden impact and jerking movements. 

What To Do After a Crash

Here are the important steps you should take after a car accident. 

Seek Medical Attention 

First, seek medical treatment. Dial 911 and ask EMS to respond to the scene. Even if you don’t feel like your injuries are severe, it’s important to get medical treatment. Serious injuries might not feel that bad after a crash due to adrenaline. Once the adrenaline wears off, you could be in real pain. 

Make sure to tell the provider about any discomfort and back pain you are experiencing. A healthcare professional will run a variety of tests to pinpoint the source of your back pain. They may take an X-ray, MRI, or CT scan. An X-ray can detect broken bones, whereas a CT or MRI can detect soft tissue damage. 

Document Everything

While you wait for EMS to get there, document everything you can. Take pictures of the scene and talk to witnesses. Make a note of the date and time of the incident, as well as what you were doing just before the crash occurred.

Every little detail matters. Even things that don’t seem all that important can make a big difference if you decide to file a personal injury claim. 

Rest

After you’ve gotten to safety and obtained medical attention, take some time to rest. Think through what happened and the circumstances surrounding the incident. If you believe that someone else’s negligence caused the crash and you suffered injuries, you might be entitled to compensation. 

Speak to an Attorney

A personal injury attorney can help you navigate the aftermath of a car crash and the back injuries that ensue. They will evaluate your case and can file a claim on your behalf to seek compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. 

Long-Term Management of Back Injuries

While your attorney handles your case, focus on getting better. Here are a few tips to address your back injuries: 

Seek Follow-Up Medical Treatment

Follow your doctor’s recommendations for dealing with your back injury. Attend physical therapy and do whatever else they suggest to get better. It’s important to follow through with all treatments, especially if you are seeking compensation from the at-fault party. 

Make Lifestyle Adjustments

A few minor changes may help you feel better. Start stretching, engage in light exercise, and avoid anything that might irritate your injury. Make sure that your lifestyle adjustments align with your medical provider’s recommendations. 

If You’ve Been Injured, Seek Justice Right Away

Don’t delay if you’ve suffered back injuries as a result of a car crash. Team up with an experienced personal injury attorney and hold the responsible parties accountable for your pain and suffering. Act fast and seek compensation so you can start on your road to recovery.

Contact Our Orlando Car Accident Law Firm For Help Today

If you’ve been injured in an accident in Orlando, Florida, and need legal help, contact our experienced car accident lawyers at Payer Law Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today.

We proudly serve Orange County and its surrounding areas: