Back Pain After an Auto Accident

Back pain is a common symptom of many serious injuries caused by auto accidents. Please seek medical attention if you fear you may be injured in this way.

While the pain may be similar, the injuries themselves are different and require different types of therapies. This can be confusing at first, so please continue reading for a few answers to frequently asked questions about the subject.

What Back Injuries Are Caused by Car Crashes?

The spine and its associated systems form a complex, interrelated network of nerves, soft tissue, and bone. The forces involved in auto collisions often upset this system in various ways. Some of the common problems include injuries to particularly sensitive elements:

• Facet joints
• Spinal discs
• Sacroiliac joints

Can You Get Whiplash in Your Back?

Back pain is a possible symptom of whiplash. It is also common to have headaches, sore shoulders, and muscle spasms. This is because whiplash and the associated disorders are characterized by extreme strain on the soft tissues of your neck, such as muscles, ligaments, and tendons.

What if the Pain Is not Serious?

You should take these situations seriously. If you have any change in your condition after an auto accident, please seek medical attention. It is typically not enough to simply know the severity of the pain, you need to find out what’s really wrong in order to start healing. Identifying the underlying problems behind the symptoms requires a professional level of training.

What Is the Treatment for Back Pain?

Back pain could be caused by many different things. You need a professional consultation before you decide on an effective mode of treatment — looking at the details of your case is essential to the healing process. Furthermore, please ensure that the care provider you select is providing recommendations to address the underlying issues and not just treat the symptoms.

Do You Need Surgery for Back Pain?

Each case is different. However, with proper therapy, treatment, and exercises, many people recover from back pain without the need for surgery. Even in cases of debilitating acute pain that limits mobility and range of motion, the prognosis may still be positive. Back surgeries can be highly invasive and cause issues of their own, so it is best to explore all other potentially effective treatments first.

Will I Need a CAT Scan?

Most cases of back pain after a car crash do not require any type of initial imaging. This includes CAT scans, MRIs, and X-rays. Interviews, physical range-of-motion tests, and brief questionnaires are among the diagnostic tools you are likely to encounter at first.

Your doctor will use the observations and responses gathered from these initial tests to assess your condition. The data will also provide a baseline from which to gauge your improvement.

If you have back pain, please do not wait to seek treatment. Contact us at (941) 921-4884 to schedule your consultation today.