Chronic Back Pain After an Auto Accident

Back & neck pain is extremely common following a car accident. It may be a nagging ache, or it could be a sharp pain.

Unfortunately, car accidents are often the cause of long-term back and neck problems. In fact, according to the Mayo Clinic, car and motorcycle accidents are the leading cause of spinal injuries. They also account for more than 35% of new spinal injuries every year.

Dealing with Back Pain Right After an Accident

If you have back pain right after an accident, it is important to see a medical professional right away. While you may just have a muscle strain, it could also be something more serious, including a spinal cord injury, bulging disc, or disc herniation. Addressing these problems right away can help you treat issues before they cause long-term damage.

Causes of Chronic Back Pain Due to an Auto Accident

A car accident is very hard on your body, even if the impact on your vehicle was not that significant. Your body is traveling at high speeds and then suddenly stops—that type of movement can cause significant back and neck problems. The muscles and tendons in the neck and backstretch and then contract quickly, causing pain and other issues.

Disc Herniation

When a traumatic accident like a car crash occurs, it exerts significant amounts of pressure on the disc, which can lead to disc herniation. A herniated disc occurs when the inner portion of the disc literally pushes out from the disc itself. The fluid will often press up against the nerves, which causes pain.

Degenerative Disc Disease and Facet Joint Disease

You may be surprised to learn that a car accident can speed up a natural condition that affects the spine—degenerative changes. The discs in your back will eventually wear down with simple use, but the damage that a car accident often causes can make the degenerative process even faster.

Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis involves the narrowing of the canal where the spinal cord is found. The narrowing is caused by bone spurs or thickened ligaments. Injury can cause destabilization, and the body creates bone spurs to try to stabilize the canal and the result in the narrowing of the spinal canal. It puts additional pressure on the surrounding nerves, causing problems with weakness and tingling in the arms, along with balance issues in some circumstances.

Getting Help After a Car Accident

If you are experiencing problems with chronic back pain after an accident, you may have a legal claim. Contact our office to discuss your legal options with our team.