What is the most common back injury after a car accident?
Even a seemingly minor car accident has the potential to cause serious back injuries. This is because the human body is not meant to absorb the enormous force involve in a crash, even one occurring at a low speed. Back injuries, including those to the middle back, can significantly affect an individual’s daily life. Some of the common car accident injuries affecting the back include sciatica, soft tissue damage, whiplash, disc injury, and spinal injuries. If you suffer from middle back pain after a car accident, please contact our spinal cord injury lawyer for a free consultation.
Middle back pain
When a person suffers from pain in their middle back after a car accident, it is likely that the injury is more serious in nature. This is because pain in the middle back tends to stem from problems with the spine. Middle back pain may have a number of different causes, including pinched nerves, sprains, and herniated discs.
A herniated disc happens when the discs of the spine – in this case, the middle back – shift and compress. The inside portion of the disc is moved out of place. A doctor may describe the disc as ruptured, slipped, or bulging. A herniated disc is a serious condition because the protruding part of the disc may rub against nerves, causing burning, numbness, and weakness that affects other parts of the body.
Middle back pain after a car accident can stem from various causes, including:
- Soft Tissue Injury: Strain or sprain in the muscles, ligaments, or tendons due to the sudden impact or jerking motion during the accident.
- Thoracic Spine Injury: Damage to the vertebrae, discs, or nerves in the middle back region due to the force of the collision, leading to conditions like herniated discs or fractures.
- Whiplash: The rapid back-and-forth motion of the spine during impact can cause whiplash, affecting the muscles and ligaments in the middle back.
- Seat Belt Injury: The use of a seat belt can protect during a crash but might also cause bruising or strain in the middle back area.
- Internal Injuries: In some cases, middle back pain might indicate internal injuries like organ damage, though this is less common.
It’s crucial to seek medical attention after a car accident, especially if experiencing persistent or severe back pain, as it could indicate underlying injuries that require treatment.
Can a car accident cause back pain months later?
Generally, an individual will realize if they have been injured in a car accident immediately afterward. However, it can also take days or weeks for some injuries to become apparent. In fact, some injuries may get worse over weeks before an individual even learns of them. When a person has been in a car accident, they are filled with adrenaline, a fight-or-flight hormone that can encourage the body to release endorphins. These endorphins have the ability to soothe, or mask, pain. This can lead to delayed symptoms of injuries caused by the car accident.
What is the best pain relief after a car accident?
After a car accident, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible for a medical evaluation. The physician will perform a physical exam and diagnose any injuries, as well as provide a treatment plan.
What to do about delayed pain from a car accident?
After a car accident, some individuals may walk away feeling fine. However, once the adrenaline wears off, the victim may experience delayed symptoms days or even weeks after the accident. For this reason, it is important to get medical care after a car accident, even if a person thinks they are okay.
What to do if your back hurts after getting rear-ended?
In this situation, an individual should try to get to the doctor’s office the same day. The doctor may assess the injury and suggest a plan of treatment. Also, the doctor can prepare a report that will document the condition in the event the victim decides to file a claim with the insurance company.
