I'm Having Back Pain After a Car Accident. Should I See a Doctor?

After a car accident, it is usual to notice some aches and pains. Back injuries are particularly common due to the sudden stop and the pressure from a seatbelt. It may also stem from the direction and type of accident. While the details of any accident vary, you are likely to notice some back pain after the accident. Identifying when to seek treatment helps you determine an appropriate course of action for your goals.

Common Back Injuries from Car Accidents

In general, back injuries from a car accident impact the muscles of your back or the spine. Common injuries include:

• Sprains and strains
• Whiplash
• Low back pain from compression on the nerves
• Injuries to your spine, including cracked or broken bones
• Herniated discs
• Broken bones

Even an accident at a low speed may result in back pain and discomfort. Soft tissue injuries like a sprained muscle or whiplash occurs from the sudden movement of your body. You may need treatment for more severe forms of pain and discomfort after the accident.

Primary Causes of Back Pain

The reasons you experience pain depend on the situation. The causes of your back pain usually relate to the muscles and spine. For example, a sprained muscle may result in pain from tension in your back and injuries to the muscles. Usually, minor injuries heal over time as long as you do not put additional pressure on the injury.

Other causes of pain stem from the impact on your nerves. For example, an injury may add pressure to a specific point on your spine, which adds to the pressure on the nerves. As a result, you end up with a radiating pain and general numbness in the area. It may also result in severe discomfort when moving.

Injuries to the bones, like a broken bone or herniated disc, requires more comprehensive treatment strategies. At our clinic, we offer decompression therapy and spinal alignments to address problems with herniated discs. For more complex injuries and broken bones, we may recommend medical treatments.

When to Seek Treatment In Edmonds, WA

Seeking treatment from a chiropractor depends on your level of discomfort. Generally, you want to seek treatment when you experience extreme pain or when the pain persists for an extended period. We also recommend treatment if you notice other symptoms like numbness and tingling in your extremities. 

Back pain is normal after a car accident and you do want to seek treatment when your pain persists or when it impacts your lifestyle. For more details about treatment options visit our Edmonds, WA clinic or call us to set up an appointment with our professional chiropractor.