Spine and Back Pain: What to Do Next After A Car Accident

Learn how to address spine and back pain issues effectively and find relief for long-term recovery after a car accident.

Introduction

Physical trauma to the back, spine, and upper and lower limbs may occur in people who have been in auto accidents, even mild ones. Injuries from the abrupt forces involved in a collision may produce either immediate or persistent pain. Do you get tight in your shoulders, back, and neck? Do you get discomfort spreading from your back? Or do you often suffer from headaches that keep you from completing your everyday tasks? The origins of back and spine pain will be examined today, along with its symptoms and how effective therapies like chiropractic adjustments may help people heal and restore their quality of life.

Spine & Back Pain Causes After a Car Accident

The spine and back are vulnerable during a car accident due to the rapid acceleration, deceleration, and twisting motions that occur. Common causes of pain include:

1. Whiplash and Soft Tissue Injuries: A person in a rear-end collision will experience a common injury known as whiplash. This musculoskeletal injury occurs when the head and neck are forcefully jerked forward and backward. (Stroke, 2023) This can strain or tear muscle tissue structures in the neck and upper back, leading to the development of pain and stiffness throughout the body.
2. Herniated Discs: The impact of a car collision can cause the spinal segments to compress or displace the intervertebral discs, causing them to bulge or rupture. This may irritate nearby nerves, compressing them, resulting in back pain-associated numbness or weakness within the upper and lower extremities. (Ge et al., 2019)
3. Spinal Misalignment: The sudden jolts and movements the body experiences after a car collision can misalign the spinal vertebrae, disrupting the spine’s natural curvature. This can lead to numerous pain-like symptoms, such as muscle spasms, restricted movement, and pain.
4. Fractures or Dislocations: In severe accidents, the spinal vertebrae may fracture or dislocate, causing intense pain and potential nerve damage. These injuries can negatively influence an individual’s social and financial situation when being treated. (Fakharian et al., 2017)
5. Facet Joint Injuries: The facet joints, which connect the vertebrae, can become sprained or damaged during a collision, leading to pain.

Symptoms of Spine & Back Pain

Depending on the collision’s severity, the spine and back can develop symptoms depending on the type of injury the person is experiencing. Common signs include:

• Localized or Radiating Pain
• Stiffness
• Muscle Spasms
• Numbness or Tingling
• Headaches
• Fatigue or Weakness

Delayed onset of symptoms is common, with pain or discomfort appearing hours or days after the accident. Seeking prompt medical evaluation is critical to prevent complications.

From Injury to Recovery with Chiropractic Care- Video

The Role Of Chiropractic Care in Treatment

Chiropractic care is a non-surgical treatment option focusing on restoring spinal alignment, improving mobility, and reducing pain within the musculoskeletal system. It is particularly effective for managing spine and back pain caused by car accidents. Key benefits of chiropractic care include:

1. Spinal Adjustments: Chiropractors use controlled, manual techniques to realign the spine, relieve pressure on the compressed nerves, and restore joint function. This can reduce pain, improve mobility, and restore the normal range of spinal movement. (Choi et al., 2015)
2. Soft Tissue Therapy: Chiropractors can incorporate massage or myofascial release techniques to help relax the tight muscles, reduce spasms, and promote healing in strained ligaments and tendons.
3. Pain Management: Since chiropractic care can alleviate pain without reliance on medications, which may have side effects. Chiropractic adjustments and therapies target the root cause of discomfort.
4. Rehabilitation Support: Chiropractors often provide exercises and stretches as part of the individual’s customized treatment plan to strengthen muscles and prevent future injuries.
5. Holistic Approach: Chiropractic care emphasizes overall wellness, addressing physical symptoms and lifestyle factors that impact the person’s recovery process.

Chiropractic care is effective for conditions like whiplash, which is associated with neck and lower back pain. Compared to standard medical care, it reduces pain and improves function. (Bryans et al., 2014)

Other Treatment Options

While chiropractic care is highly effective, a comprehensive treatment plan may include:

• Physical Therapy: To restore strength and flexibility back to the body while reducing low back and neck pain. (Alrwaily et al., 2019)
• Pain Management: Over-the-counter or prescription medications for short-term relief.
• Medical Imaging: X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans to diagnose fractures or herniated discs.
• Surgery: In rare cases, for severe injuries like spinal fractures or significant disc herniations.

When to Seek Care

Individuals involved in a car accident must have a prompt evaluation by a healthcare provider, such as a chiropractor or physician. Even if symptoms are mild, this is essential because if the injuries are untreated, they can cause overlapping risk profiles or long-term complications to the body. A chiropractor can assess spinal alignment, recommend a personalized treatment plan, and coordinate with other providers.

Conclusion

Although back and spine pain after an automobile accident may significantly affect a person’s day-to-day functioning, recovery can be aided by prompt action and the right treatment. Restoring function, controlling pain, and avoiding chronic problems may all be accomplished safely and effectively with chiropractic therapy. In addition to supporting general wellbeing and determining the root causes of pain-like symptoms, a chiropractor is essential in helping accident victims recover their health.

Injury Medical Chiropractic & Personal Injury Clinic

We associate certified medical providers who understand the importance of assessing individuals with pain-like symptoms affecting their spines and backs. When asking important questions to our associated medical providers, we advise patients to incorporate customized treatment plans for their pain correlated with musculoskeletal issues. Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., uses this information as an academic service. Disclaimer

References

Alrwaily, M., Schneider, M., Sowa, G., Timko, M., Whitney, S. L., & Delitto, A. (2019). Stabilization exercises combined with neuromuscular electrical stimulation for patients with chronic low back pain: a randomized controlled trial. Braz J Phys Ther, 23(6), 506-515. doi.org/10.1016/j.bjpt.2018.10.003

Bryans, R., Decina, P., Descarreaux, M., Duranleau, M., Marcoux, H., Potter, B., Ruegg, R. P., Shaw, L., Watkin, R., & White, E. (2014). Evidence-based guidelines for the chiropractic treatment of adults with neck pain. J Manipulative Physiol Ther, 37(1), 42-63. doi.org/10.1016/j.jmpt.2013.08.010

Choi, J., Lee, S., & Jeon, C. (2015). Effects of flexion-distraction manipulation therapy on pain and disability in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis. J Phys Ther Sci, 27(6), 1937-1939. doi.org/10.1589/jpts.27.1937

Fakharian, E., Mohammadzadeh, M., Saberi, H. R., Fazel, M. R., Rejali, M., Akbari, H., Mirzadeh, A. S., & Mohammadzadeh, J. (2017). Spinal injury resulting from car accident: Focus to prevention. Asian J Neurosurg, 12(2), 180-184. doi.org/10.4103/1793-5482.152110

Ge, C. Y., Hao, D. J., Yan, L., Shan, L. Q., Zhao, Q. P., He, B. R., & Hui, H. (2019). Intradural Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Case Report and Literature Review. Clin Interv Aging, 14, 2295-2299. doi.org/10.2147/CIA.S228717

Stroke., N. I. o. N. D. a. (2023). Whiplash Information Page.  Retrieved from www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/whiplash

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