Lower Back Pain After Car Accident: What To Do?

If you have back pain after a car accident, don’t ignore it, even if it feels minor. Always seek a medical evaluation to diagnose any back injuries that are not immediately apparent. 

If you or a loved one need legal help with a car accident claim, a St. Louis car accident attorney from Burger Law will guide you through your options and rights.

What To Do For Back Pain After Auto Accident

If you’re feeling back pain after a car crash, it’s a good idea to take the following steps:

• Don’t ignore it. Even if the pain seems minor, it’s important to pay attention to it.
• Take it easy for a few days. Avoid activities that make the pain worse.
• Take over-the-counter pain medicine. Things like ibuprofen can help with pain and swelling. But always check with a professional before taking any medication.
• See a doctor. This is really important. A doctor can check if there’s a serious injury.

What causes back pain after a car accident in St. Louis?

Back pain after a car accident can happen for many reasons. 

When a car crashes, it stops suddenly. This can make your body jerk around in ways it’s not used to. Some common causes of back pain after a car accident are:

• Whiplash, which happens when your head jerks back and forth quickly. It can hurt your neck and upper back.
• Muscle strains, which after the crash can make your back muscles stretch too much or tear a little.
• Herniated discs, when the soft cushions between your spine bones get pushed out of place.
• Spinal fractures, when the bones in your spine crack.
• Sprains, where the ligaments (tough bands that hold bones together) in your back get stretched or torn.

Sometimes, the pain might not show up right away. Pay attention to how you feel for a few days after an accident.

How common are lower back injuries in car accidents?

Lower back pain after a car accident is pretty common. In fact, they’re one of the most frequent types of injuries that happen in crashes. Some studies say that about half of all people in car accidents have some kind of back pain afterward.

Why is it so common? Well, your lower back does a lot of work to support your body. In a crash, it can get twisted or jolted in ways it’s not meant to move. Also, the lower back doesn’t have as much protection as other parts of your spine.

Common Causes of Lower Back Pain After A Car Accident

• Lumbar sprains: The crash can stretch or tear the muscles and ligaments in your lower back.
• Disc injuries: The discs that cushion your spine can get damaged, causing pain.
• Facet joint injuries: The small joints that help your spine move can get hurt.
• Compression fractures: Sometimes, the impact can cause small breaks in the spine bones.
• Nerve damage: The crash might irritate or damage nerves in your lower back.

Common back injuries from St. Louis car accidents

Some commonly diagnosed injuries following collisions include:

• Whiplash
• Muscle strains and sprains
• Herniated discs
• Spinal fractures
• Spinal cord injuries (in serious accidents)
• Soft tissue injuries
• Pinched nerves

Each of these injuries can cause different types of pain and might need different treatments.

Where to go for back pain after a car accident?

• Emergency Room: If the pain is really bad, you can’t move, or you have other serious symptoms like numbness or difficulty breathing, go to the ER right away, possibly in an ambulance. Emergency rooms can provide immediate care and handle any life-threatening issues.
• Primary Care Doctor: Your regular doctor can examine your back pain, diagnose the problem and refer you to specialists if needed. They know your medical history and can provide personalized care to help you recover.
• Urgent Care Center: These centers are great for non-emergency situations when you need prompt attention but can’t see your regular doctor. They can treat injuries, prescribe medication and help manage your pain until you can get a follow-up appointment.
• Chiropractor: Some people find chiropractic care helpful for relieving back pain. Chiropractors use hands-on techniques to adjust your spine, improve your posture and reduce discomfort, which can aid in your overall recovery.
• Physical Therapist: A physical therapist can create a personalized exercise plan to strengthen your back muscles, improve your flexibility and reduce pain. They guide you through safe movements and techniques to help you regain mobility and prevent future injuries.

Get checked out by a medical professional after an accident, even if you feel okay at first. Taking prompt action can prevent minor issues from becoming serious problems and ensure you receive the proper treatment you need.

What doctor to see for back pain after an auto accident

The best doctor to see depends on your specific situation. Some people require specialist appointments while others do not.

Here are some options:

• Primary care physician to do an initial check and refer you to specialists if needed.
• Orthopedists, who specialize in bones and joints.
• Neurologists to check if there might be nerve damage.
• Pain management specialists for ongoing pain to offer various treatments.
• Physiatrists, who are doctors that specialize in physical medicine and rehabilitation.

Your primary care doctor can help you decide which specialist is best for your situation.

How long does back pain last after a car wreck?

The length of time back pain lasts after a car accident can vary a lot. It depends on things like:

• How serious the injury is
• What kind of injury it is
• How quickly you got treatment
• Your overall health

Some people might feel better in a few days or weeks. For others, the pain might last for months. In some cases, people might have long-term or chronic pain.

Follow your doctor’s advice and be patient with your recovery. Rushing to get back to normal too quickly can sometimes make things worse.

Injured your back in a crash? Call Our Car Wreck Lawyer

If you’ve hurt your back in a car accident, our St. Louis car accident lawyers at Burger Law will help you deal with insurance companies and make sure you get fair compensation. 

We understand how tough these situations can be and are here to protect your rights. You can talk to us without paying anything upfront. Contact us online or call (314) 500-HURT for a free case evaluation today.

Gary Burger

Founder | Injury Attorney
Gary Burger has dedicated his career to standing up against bullies. The founder and principal attorney of Burger Law | St. Louis Personal Injury Lawyer has helped hundreds of Missouri and Illinois individuals and families recover th …
Years of experience: 30 years
Location: St. Louis, MO

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