One of the most common complaints of pain related to car accidents is lower back pain. In fact, according to the Mayo Clinic, car accidents are one of the leading causes of spinal cord injuries, accounting for nearly 50% of all new spinal cord injuries every year.
Lower Back Pain After Car Accident
If you have been involved in an auto accident and you are experiencing lower back pain, you may be suffering from any number of spinal or musculoskeletal issues, such as:
- Whiplash: Whiplash is a neck injury caused by forceful, rapid back-and-forth neck movement, like a whip’s cracking. Symptoms include neck pain and stiffness, headaches, and dizziness. Treatment usually involves physical therapy like exercises and stretches or the use of support like foam collars.
- Herniated Discs: Herniated discs occur when there’s an issue with one of the rubbery cushions, or discs, between the individual bones (vertebrae) that stack to make your spine. Symptoms can be arm or leg pain, numbness, and weakness. Treatment may include medication, physical therapy, and sometimes surgery.
- Spinal Fractures: Spinal fractures usually result from high-impact accidents. Symptoms might include moderate to severe back pain that worsens with movement, numbness, and paralysis in various parts of the body. Treatment options are often dependent on the severity of the fracture and may include braces, pain medication, physical therapy, and surgery in severe cases.
- Spondylolisthesis: This is a spinal condition that affects the lower vertebrae, causing one of them to slip forward onto the bone directly beneath it. Symptoms include lower back pain, stiffness, and muscle tightness. Non-surgical treatments like physical therapy and NSAIDs are commonly used, but in severe cases, surgery may be needed.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: These encompass damage to muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the back, which can occur during accidents. Symptoms usually revolve around pain and inflammation in the affected area. Treatment often involves rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE), and physical therapy in some cases.
Lower back pain from an auto accident may linger for months or even years without proper care. Depending on the specific injury causing the pain, your lower back pain may worsen over time, making it difficult to continue your everyday tasks.
Chiropractic treatments can help reduce pain and improve function in many of these conditions, as they focus on the proper alignment of the body’s musculoskeletal structure. Chiropractors often perform spinal manipulation to restore joint mobility, helping facilitate the body’s healing process. However, the treatment plan will vary depending on the specific condition and the patient’s overall health.
Please keep in mind that this is a brief overview, and patients should consult with a medical professional for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
When to See a Back Pain Doctor
“If you experience any back or neck pain at all following a car accident, you should be evaluated by a doctor to rule out any serious injury. However, it is especially important to seek medical attention immediately if you experience tingling, numbness, weakness, or loss of bladder or bowel control. These are indications of a more serious injury that must be addressed immediately.”
—Michael Gleiber, MD
Should I See a Chiropractor After an Auto Accident?
Chiropractic care is often considered to be the best solution for lower back pain after a car accident since it does not involve the use of pain medication or dangerous surgery. At Momentum Medical, our chiropractors are able to adjust your lower back to relieve pressure in the areas where you’re feeling pain. That relief of pressure allows your body to release naturally occurring anti-inflammatories, which help to speed up your body’s healing process.
Visit Your Local Auto Injury Doctor
If you have been in an auto accident, your local Momentum Medical office can treat your injuries and help you avoid an unnecessarily long term of post-accident pain. Our compassionate and experienced staff can help determine the presence and extent of your injuries, so you can start your road to recovery as soon as possible. Contact us online to schedule your first appointment.