Introduction to Back Pain After Car Accident

Have you been in a car accident? Even if the accident was minor, you might experience back pain afterward. Particularly if you were rear-ended, this is true. Back pain after a car accident is joint, but that doesn't mean it's normal. This type of pain can be a sign of a severe injury.

There are a few things that you should know about back pain after car accidents.

a person viewing two x-ray results after a car accident

Kinds of Back Pain a Car Accident Can Cause

Back pain is a common condition that many people deal with throughout their life. But for those who have been in a car accident, back pain can be a constant and debilitating presence. There are several different kinds of back pain that a car accident can cause.

Whiplash

Whiplash is a type of back pain that can occur after a car accident. It is caused by the sudden jerking motion of the head, which damages the ligaments and muscles in the neck. Symptoms of whiplash include stiffness and pain in the neck, shoulders, and upper back. The pain may worsen with movement, and there may also be headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. Whiplash can be debilitating, making it difficult to work or participate in activities.

Sprains and Strains

While back pain can have many different causes, sprains and strains are among the most common. Ligaments, the connective tissues between bones, can become stretched or ripped, resulting in sprains. This can happen when the spine is abruptly jolted, as often happens in a car collision. Strains occur when muscles or tendons, the tissues that connect muscles to bones, are overstretched or torn. These injuries can be excruciating and make it difficult to move or even stand.

Spinal Disc Damage

When you get into a car accident, the jolt of the impact can cause your spine to compress. This can damage the discs that act as cushions between the vertebrae in your spine. When a disc is damaged, its inner gelatinous material can leak out and press on the spinal cord or nerves branching off the spinal cord. This can cause back pain. In some cases, the back pain might go away on its own. But if the disc damage is severe, you might need surgery to repair it.

Joint Injuries

While back pain can have many causes, joint injuries are a common cause of back pain after a car accident. Joints connect bones, and when they are damaged, it can lead to pain and inflammation. In severe cases, joint damage can even limit a person's range of motion.

Back Pain Signs and Symptoms After a Car Accident

Back pain is one of the most common injuries people can experience after a car accident. Even if your back doesn't feel sore immediately, it's essential to see a doctor as soon as possible. Depending on the accident's severity, you may have sustained unseen damage to your spine or back muscles. The following are some of the most common back pain signs and symptoms after a car accident:

Soft Tissue Injury

A soft tissue injury is one of the most common lower back pain after a car accident. The force of the collision can cause the muscles, ligaments, and discs in your back to tear or rupture. Even if you don't feel any pain immediately after the accident, you must see a doctor as soon as possible.

A soft tissue injury may not seem like a big deal, but it can lead to long-term back pain and other problems if not treated properly. A benign tissue injury symptoms include back pain, stiffness, swelling, and bruising.

Nerve Injury

Nerve injury is one of the back pain signs and symptoms after a car accident. When the bones in your back are damaged or dislocated, they can compress or sever the nerves running through them. This can cause pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in your back, legs, or arms. In extreme circumstances, it may potentially result in paralysis.

Pain

Pain is one of the most common car accident back pain signs and symptoms after a car accident. It can vary from dull aches to severe, debilitating pain. Back injury from a car accident is often caused by muscle spasms, strains, or other soft tissue injuries. In some cases, it may be related to more severe injuries, such as spinal cord damage or fractures.

Weakness

This may be felt in the arms or legs, making it challenging to move around or perform everyday activities. In some cases, the weakness may be severe enough to cause paralysis. The best way to determine if back pain is caused by deficiency is to visit a doctor or chiropractor for an evaluation.

a man suffering head pain after a car accident — photo by Andrea Piacquadio

Headaches

If you're experiencing headaches after a car accident, your back pain is likely due to an injury. Headaches after a car accident are often caused by whiplash or a neck injury. When your head is quickly wrenched forward or backward, the muscles and ligaments in your neck stretch farther than they should. This is known as whiplash. This can lead to inflammation and pain in the neck and upper back. In severe cases, whiplash can cause dizziness, blurred vision, and difficulty concentrating.

Stiffness

This can make it challenging to move around and even limit your range of motion. The good news is that stiffness is usually only temporary and will improve with time. However, if your stiffness persists or gets worse, it is essential to see a doctor so they can rule out any serious injuries.

Loss of Normal Movement

Loss of Normal Movement is just one of many back pain signs and symptoms after a car accident. It can be caused by several factors, including whiplash, herniated discs, and muscle strains. The pain may resolve independently in some cases, but it often requires medical treatment.

Muscle Spasms

A car accident's sudden and forceful impact can cause your muscles to spasm, especially if they are already tight or weakened. Muscle spasms can range from mild to severe and may last for a few days or weeks. Painful muscle spasms may require treatment with medication or physical therapy.

Difficulty Standing or Walking

Many people don't realize back pain is a typical car accident injury, even in seemingly minor fender benders. The jarring motion of a car accident can cause the spine to become misaligned, leading to pain and difficulty moving. In some cases, the muscles and ligaments in the back may be strained or torn, resulting in even more pain. In severe cases, a disc may be herniated or fractured. These injuries make it difficult or impossible to stand or walk without pain.

It's essential to seek medical attention right away. Get the damages for your injuries that you are entitled to with the assistance of an accomplished auto accident attorney.

Five Values of a Back Injury Claim

Many think the only value in a back injury claim is the medical bills incurred because of the accident. However, many other factors must be considered when valuing a back injury claim. Here are five important values to keep in mind:

Future and Past Medical Bills

Future medical bills are those that are incurred after the date of the accident. They can include doctor's visits, medication, and physical therapy. Past medical bills are those incurred before the accident. You can use them to show the severity of your back pain after an accident and the extent of your pain. Both types of medical bills can be expensive, so it's essential to have a clear understanding of them before you make a back injury claim.

Loss of Income

When you've been in a car accident, the last thing you're thinking about is how much money you might lose if your back is injured. But you could face a severe financial setback if you can't work because of your back pain. That's why lost income is one of the five values of a back injury claim. If you're unable to work because of your back pain, you may be able to recover lost wages as well as the cost of any future earnings you might lose.

To recover lost income, you'll need to have a doctor document your back pain and its effect on your ability to work. You'll also need to show that you made an effort to find other work or get training for a new job. If you can prove that your back pain has caused you to lose income, you could receive compensation for your losses.

Future Lost Earnings

Future lost earnings are one of the five values used to calculate the value of a back injury claim. An economist will analyze the victim's work history, education, and skills to determine future lost earnings. They will then use this information to calculate the victim's expected revenues over their lifetime. This number is then multiplied by a factor that considers the victim's age and health. The result is the victim's future lost earnings. This number is then used to help calculate the value of the victim's back injury claim.

Sufferings and Pain

While the pain may initially seem minor, it can quickly become debilitating, making it difficult to perform even everyday activities. In addition to physical pain, back injuries can cause emotional suffering and financial hardship. The cost of medical treatment, lost wages, and other expenses can quickly add up, leaving accident victims struggling to keep up with their bills.

When filing a back injury claim, knowing how your injury has impacted your life is essential. By taking the time to document your suffering and pain, you can ensure that you receive the total compensation you deserve.

Loss of Consortium

man and woman sitting back to back on a bed — photo by Alex Green

Loss of consortium is a legal term that refers to the loss of companionship or affection that results from an injury. If you have suffered a back injury in a car accident, you may be able to recover damages for the loss of your spouse's love, companionship, and affection. To prove loss of consortium, you will need to show that your back injury has significantly affected your relationship with your spouse. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you gather the evidence you need to prove your case and maximize the value of your settlement.

Filing Your Case for Back Injury after a Car Accident

Every situation is different, but there are a few general things to remember.

First, you will need to have medical documentation of your injuries. This can include X-rays, MRIs, or doctor's notes.

Second, you will need to prove that the other driver was at fault for the accident. You can do this through police reports, eyewitness testimony, or dashcam footage.

Finally, you will need to calculate the cost of your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Once you have all this information, you can speak to an attorney to get a better idea of whether or not you have a case.

Talk to a Reliable Car Accident Lawyer Today!

Having back pain after a car accident is terrible and overwhelming. You may be confused and not know what to do next. You may be hurt and have no idea how to pay your medical bills. The most important thing you can do after a car accident is to seek legal help. A reliable car accident lawyer at OUCH USA will be able to guide you through the process of filing a claim and getting the compensation you deserve. Call us at +1-844-872-6824 or email us at hello@ouchusa.com to set up a free consultation.

Back Pain After Car Accident: What You Need To Know?