Back Pain After Car Accident: Long Term Effects of Whiplash

What Is Whiplash?

Whiplash is a type of neck injury that is caused by a rapid acceleration-deceleration mechanism. Sometimes, soft tissue damage such as cervical strain, bone fractures, and nerve damage can occur.

Physicians refer to this range of presentations collectively as whiplash-associated disorders (WAD). They are all too common cause of chronic pain and disability.

Motor Vehicle Accident Injuries

Cars have become a lot safer over the years. We need to come up with something due to a surge in high-speed accidents. Also, more people are wearing seatbelts and becoming conscientious about drunk driving.

However, accidents are still going to occur. Although you make walk away alive, whiplash can still take a massive toll. Many will require physical therapy following an accident.

This can lead to pain, cervical sprain, disability, and doctor’s fees. You might be entitled to workers’ compensation if injured on the job.

Back Pain After Car Accident

Back and neck pain is the most common symptom of whiplash. Depending on the degree of injury, it can be mild to excruciating.

Interestingly, the pain might not be present immediately following the accident. It can get worse over days, weeks, and even months.

Some might be hesitant to see a car accident doctor if significant time has passed. This, however, might only worsen your condition and delay treatment.

Range of Motion

Decreased range of motion and neck stiffness is another classic symptom of whiplash. Turning the head suddenly might be very painful and lead to injury.

Some patients report the presence of muscle spasm as well. This can cause further discomfort and problems in performing certain daily tasks.

Other Symptoms

There are a number of delicate structures in the neck. Neck strain is a common cause of radiculopathy, better known as a pinched nerve. This can lead to pain, numbness, and tingly in different areas depending on the involved nerve.

You may also hear your upper back cracking.

Also, whiplash is an important cause of headache after car accident.

How Long Does Whiplash Last?

Again, this depends on several factors. More severe injuries from high-speed crashes involving bone fracture and nerve damage take longer to improve.

However, even with seemingly mild cases, there can be progression to chronic pain that is difficult to treat.

Think You Might Have Whiplash?

If you have been in an accident and think you might have suffered an injury, call emergency services right away.

However, remember that back pain after an accident has happened can be a sign of whiplash. These symptoms can take time to appear, so don’t hesitate to see a doctor with your concerns.

Call (800) 897-8440 or fill out the form below to find a doctor near you experienced in treating whiplash injuries.