Back injuries are some of the most common car accident injuries. After an auto accident, it’s important to know the symptoms to watch out for and the next steps to take. To better understand back pain after a car accident, let’s walk through the back injury classification system, types of back injuries, causes, diagnosis, and treatment plans.
If you have been injured in an auto accident, our Alpharetta car accident lawyers at Horst Shewmaker can help you recover the financial compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Understanding Back Pain After a Car Accident
Back injuries are especially common in head-on and back-end collisions, as well as side-impact crashes. The severity of back injuries from car accidents ranges from minor sprains and strains to spinal cord injuries. Sudden acceleration or deceleration puts added pressure on your back, leading to injuries that can be debilitating and costly.
After a car accident, it’s important to seek immediate medical attention. Some injuries may not show symptoms right away, and quick treatment is essential for preventing complications like chronic back pain.
Back Injury Classification System
Back injuries are classified using different systems. For example, muscle and soft tissue injuries can be classified using a grading system. Grade 1 is the least amount of damage to muscle fibers. Grade 3 is the most severe injury grade with the muscle being either completely torn or can’t function.
The AO spine injury classification system includes three categories (A, B, and C) and identifies injuries based on damage to the vertebra.
Finally, there is the MSU classification system for herniated discs. This system also uses A, B, and C to distinguish the severity of the disc protrusion from an MRI.
Common Back Injuries from Car Accidents
The back is made up of muscles, tissue, and bones. Car accidents can cause various back injuries,
Sprains and Strains
Both sprains and strains involve injuries to soft tissue in the back. According to the Cedar Sinai healthcare organization, “When you overstretch a muscle in your back or tear a ligament, the area around the muscles will usually become inflamed.”
This inflammation leads to muscle spasms, which can cause back pain. “This is because the spasm immobilizes the muscles in the injured area, acting as a splint to protect the ligaments and joints from further damage,” states the organization.
Herniated Discs
The spinal discs act as cushions between the vertebrae. When a spinal disc becomes herniated, its soft inner material pushes through a tear in the outer layer. This can put pressure on surrounding nerves, causing pain, numbness, or weakness in the back, legs, or arms.
A ruptured disc can cause back pain, muscle weakness, and discomfort in other parts of the body. A herniated disc in the lower back often causes pain in the legs and buttocks. A herniated disc in the cervical spine often causes sharp pain in the neck, shoulder, and arm.
Spinal Fractures
There are two types of back fractures – compression fractures and lumbar fractures. The first refers to small breaks in the bones of the spine, possibly resulting in breathing problems, pain, and, in some cases, permanent damage to the spine.
Lumbar fractures are cracks in the lower or middle portion of the back. This region is especially prone to extension fractures (when the bone pulls apart. This is most common in head-on crashes.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries are among the most severe injuries from car accidents. Damage to the spinal cord can cause loss of sensation and movement below the injury site. Patients with spinal cord injuries normally need extensive medical care and rehabilitation. Immediate medical treatment is crucial to minimize damage after a spinal injury.
Diagnosing Back Injuries
The first step in treating back pain after a car accident is to accurately diagnose the underlying cause. This process typically involves a combination of a physical examination and diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays and MRIs.
Physical Examination
A doctor or physical therapist will evaluate your range of motion, posture, and any areas of tenderness or swelling. They will also ask questions about the pain, such as when it started, how severe it is, and whether it worsens with specific movements. This initial assessment helps identify muscle strains or joint injuries that may have occurred during the car crash.
X-Rays
X-rays are commonly used to rule out fractures or dislocations in the spine. While they provide a clear image of the bones, they are less effective at showing soft tissue injuries, such as muscle strains or ligament damage.
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
If soft tissue injuries, herniated discs, or nerve damage are suspected, an MRI may be ordered. This imaging technique provides a detailed view of the muscles, ligaments, and discs in the spine, helping doctors determine the exact cause of the back pain.
Accurate diagnosis is essential for creating a personalized treatment plan tailored to the severity and nature of your back injury.
Treatment for Back Pain After a Car Accident
Back pain is a common complaint following a car crash, and without prompt and effective treatment, it can lead to long-term discomfort or chronic back pain.
Here are some of the most common treatment options.
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic treatment is an effective and non-invasive treatment for back pain after a car accident. Chiropractors specialize in spinal adjustments and manipulations that help realign the spine and alleviate pain.
Chiropractors use manual techniques to gently adjust the spine, reducing inflammation and improving mobility. These adjustments help treat misalignments, muscle strains, or compressed nerves.
Related: Should I See a Chiropractor After a Car Accident?
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is another critical component in the treatment of back pain after a car accident. A physical therapist works with patients to strengthen the muscles surrounding the spine, improve flexibility, and reduce pain.
Physical therapy may involve a combination of exercises, stretching, and manual therapy to restore function and mobility.
- Muscle Strengthening Exercises: Physical therapists design exercise programs tailored to your specific injury. These exercises target weak or strained muscles, helping to rebuild strength and stability in the back.
- Heat Therapy and Cold Therapy: Heat therapy can be used to relax muscles and improve blood flow to the injured area, while cold therapy helps reduce inflammation and swelling. These therapies are often used in conjunction with exercises to enhance recovery.
- Manual Therapy: Physical therapists may also use hands-on techniques, such as massage or joint mobilization, to relax tense muscles and alleviate pain.
Pain Management
Pain management plays a significant role in car accident recovery. A treatment plan may include medication management and non-surgical treatment options.
Doctors may recommend various medications to help manage back pain, including:
- Muscle Relaxants: These medications work by relaxing the muscles and reducing tension.
- Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, are often used to reduce inflammation and relieve mild back pain.
- Pain Medications: For more severe pain, doctors may prescribe stronger pain medications, such as opioids. However, these medications are typically used for short-term relief due to the risk of dependence.
For individuals with severe inflammation or nerve-related back pain, corticosteroid injections may be recommended. These injections are administered directly into the affected area, reducing inflammation and providing pain relief.
If back pain persists despite initial treatment, a consultation with a pain specialist may be necessary. Pain management specialists are medical professionals who focus on diagnosing and treating chronic pain conditions.
Call Our Alpharetta Car Accident Attorneys Today
If you are suffering from back pain after a car accident, then contact our Alpharetta personal injury lawyers to discuss your options. Schedule a free consultation online or call (404) 400-1175. At Horst Shewmaker, we pride ourselves in knowing the car accident legal process best, especially in Georgia.
For more information, check out our frequently asked car accident questions. Read more about our experienced legal team here.
