Back Pain After Car Accident: Learn What To Do Next

How Common Is Back Pain After Auto Accidents?

In one study, 37% of people involved in a crash said they had low back pain six weeks after the accident. Some had moderate back pain symptoms, while others had more severe back pain.

Another study found that 56% of 27 auto accident patients experienced discogenic pain. Another 36% had sacroiliac joint pain, while 19% had facet joint pain. What’s worse, these low back pain symptoms had a median duration of 24 months.

A separate study looked at the pain symptoms experienced by older adults involved in a crash. Seven in 10 of the 161 participants said they had moderate to severe pain during their ED evaluation. Six months after the accident, one in four of the patients still had moderate to severe pain symptoms.

Low back pain was a common complaint among these older adult patients.

These are only three of the many other studies proving that back pain is common after car accidents. What’s more, many cases come with delayed signs, with them occurring days or weeks after the crash. Many others suffer from severe and even debilitating symptoms that persist for years.

All these should tell you that your back pain is highly likely related to your car accident. These stats also indicate that back pain after a car crash is unlikely to disappear on its own.

Back Pain After Car Accident: What to Do and Who to Call First

As with potential whiplash injuries, you should see a doctor as soon as you notice back pain after a car crash. It may take a day or two before your back starts feeling sore or downright painful. A herniated disc, for instance, may have no symptoms at first until the disc irritates a nearby nerve.

Either way, don’t dismiss your symptoms, as delaying treatment can aggravate your condition. Untreated musculoskeletal injuries can cause permanent muscle, spine, and nerve damage. In fact, a study proved that low back pain caused by a vehicle crash raises the risk for future troublesome LBP.

Medical Evaluation Immediately Following the Crash

It’s best to get a medical evaluation even if you don’t feel any symptoms. If you can, schedule a check-up within 72 hours. This way, your treating doctor can run comprehensive diagnostic tests.

These often include x-rays, vision tests, nerve studies, as well as CT and MRI scans. These medical exams will uncover injuries that don’t display any symptoms yet. Aside from back injuries, traumatic brain injuries can also have delayed symptoms.

The sooner you see a car accident doctor, the better your chances of full recovery. Besides, prompt physical therapy or chiropractic treatment can ease your painful symptoms. This can then help you get back on your feet (and work) sooner.

If you’ve been in a work-related crash in New York, check your workers’ compensation policy first. You may have to see a treating doctor if your employer has a preferred provider organization (PPO). If not, then you can choose your workers’ comp doctor.

Your Treatment Options

Only after complete diagnosis can a back pain doctor develop the best treatment for you. This is another reason you should see a medical professional as soon as you can after a car crash.

Your treatment will depend on the type and severity of the injury you sustain. The first line of treatment, however, usually involves physical therapy and chiropractic care. For severe car accident back pain, you may need medication for pain and swelling.

If your tests reveal a more serious spinal injury, you may have to undergo surgery. An example is a thoracic spine injury in where bone fragments press against the spinal cord. You may need surgery to remove these bones to prevent permanent spinal cord damage.

Taking Care of Your Medical Records

Your doctor’s diagnosis will reveal if your car accident is the cause of your back pain. If it is, then your medical reports will be key evidence when you file a personal injury claim. If the crash is work-related, you would need to submit this when filing a workers’ comp claim.

Follow Your Car Accident Doctor's Prescribed Treatment

Failure to follow your doctor’s prescribed treatment can exacerbate your back injuries. If this happens, the other driver’s insurance company can use this to counter your claim. You may end up shouldering your future medical expenses.

Bring Your Case to a Personal Injury Lawyer

Once your doctor confirms that the crash is to blame for your back pain, get in touch with a personal injury lawyer. This is especially true if the other driver was partially or completely at fault. You may be able to sue the other driver if your condition meets the “serious injury” threshold in New York.

These serious injuries may include bone fractures and significant disfigurement. If your back pain renders you disable for 90 days, you may also sue the other driver. Significant or permanent limitation of a body function is also a type of serious injury.

Don't Let Vehicle Crash-Induced Back Pain Cause You Long Term Suffering

There you have it, your ultimate guide on back pain after a car accident: what to do and who to get in touch with ASAP.

The most important thing is your health, so consult with an auto accident doctor right away. This way, you can get the necessary treatment to prevent long term back pain problems.

Ready to find a compassionate, understanding, and experienced auto accident doctor? Then call 1-800-897-8440 to locate the top no-fault doctors near you today!