Lower back pain after a car accident is common. However, if the pain is persistent and seems to be worsening, let’s set up an appointment with one of our Eason & Tambornini personal injury lawyers to talk about your options. We help our clients understand why they have lower back pain after a car accident and lower back pain treatments. We also explain common injuries associated with vehicular accidents, like whiplash in the lower back and bulging discs. So, if you have persistent back pain from a car accident, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us to set up an appointment with one of our reputable lawyers.
Why do I have lower back pain after a car accident?
Vertebral bones make up our spinal column, and it includes the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal bones. In between these bones are nerves from the spinal cord exit to supply different parts of the body. Muscles, tendons, and ligaments also attach to these bones. All these work together to support the body, stabilize the spine upon movement, and facilitate smooth movement.
Although the vertebral column is substantial, it’s insufficient to protect the back against trauma. In a car collision, the back bears the brunt of the impact as it hits the hard surface.
The extreme force can do damage to the structures of the spine and bruise the muscles. The impact puts unnecessary strain and stress on the tendons and ligaments. The facet joints can also sustain fractures. All of these result in lower back pain.
What are the treatments for lower back pain after a car accident?
For minor back injuries, rest and medications, together with hot and cold packs, can help to minimize lower back pain. Massage also helps loosen the tight muscles and promote muscle and blood vessel relaxation. Increased blood flow to the lower back structures can help reduce inflammation, which worsens pain.
However, if the back injuries are extensive and the symptoms are aggravating, surgery may be required to repair the herniated or ruptured discs as well as fix the spinal fractures. Your doctor may also order the removal of a herniated disc to relieve the pressure against the nerve and nerve roots.
These procedures are costly and cost you anywhere from $15,000 to $170,000, depending upon the extent of your back injury and the symptoms you present. If another person’s negligence caused your accident, the services of a personal injury attorney would greatly benefit you.
Can you get whiplash in your lower back?
Whiplash is a type of neck injury caused by sudden extension and flexion of the neck brought about by vehicular accidents. The collision will cause the head to suddenly and forcefully jerk backward and forward. In the process, it compresses vital structures like the nerves and their nerve roots, muscle tendons, and ligaments. The abrupt movements also result in abnormal stretching of the neck muscles and cause muscle tears.
It is common for someone who had a whiplash injury after a car accident to also suffer from lower back pain. This is because the spine curves in hyperextension from the sudden collision and causes the structures to compress forcefully and minor fractures of the facet joints to develop.
Can you get a bulging disc from a car accident?
There is a gel-like structure found between the vertebral bodies that protects the spinal column and acts as a shock absorber. This structure is called the intervertebral disc. Not only does it absorb shock, but it also prevents the vertebral bones from rubbing against each other.
When the spinal column hyperextends in response to the collision, the bones compress the intervertebral discs and cause them to bulge out abnormally from their location. The bulging, in turn, compresses the nerves and results in the pain a car collision victim typically feels after the accident.
A bulging disc is often confused with a herniated disc. In bulging discs, there is an abnormal bulging out of the disc from its space. However, when the disc cracks, a small portion of its softer inner structure leaks out; that’s called a herniated disc.
What can you do?
Lower back pain sustained after a car accident can be very debilitating and prevent you from doing your normal activities of daily living. If the injury is severe, it can even prevent you from going to work and cause you to lose income.
If you have symptoms of lower back pain resulting from a car collision caused by another individual, you should seek legal advice from one of our Eason & Tambornini lawyers. We’ll help you understand why you develop low back pain after a vehicular accident and your treatment options. We’ll also help you differentiate between whiplash, lower back pain, bulging discs, and herniated discs – all of which can be caused by a car accident. So, if you are suffering from lower back pain after a car accident, our Sacramento auto accident attorneys are just a call away–we’ll help you through the legal process.
