Upper and Middle Back Pain After Car Accident

Car accidents are one of the primary causes of upper and middle back pain. A back injury caused by a car accident is sometimes visible and sometimes not. It may not appear for days or even weeks after the collision. You should see a doctor as quickly as possible for a precise diagnosis, especially if you're experiencing discomfort and difficulties moving. Upper back pain can worsen if left untreated. It could be a sign of a severe injury or complication. 

Types of Upper and Middle Back Pain After Car Accident

Upper and middle back pain is frequently associated with rear-end collisions since the head is jolted back and forth, causing neck and upper back injury. It may also happen due to the driver swerving off the path or slamming on the brakes to prevent an impact. Depending on the cause, many bodily systems around the spine's vertebrae can be harmed. These could include tendons, muscles, discs, ligaments, and nerves. The following are some of the most prevalent injuries that cause back discomfort in people involved in car accidents:

Strains and Sprains

Lumbar spine strains and sprains are common back injuries following a car collision. The muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the lower back might overstretch or rupture due to the force of contact. The American Association of Neurological Surgeons states that discomfort, tightness, and spasms are common side effects of strains and sprains.

Fractures

Compression fractures of the lower and middle back are common in car accidents. A seat belt keeps the lower half of the body in place while the top half is abruptly flung forward, resulting in fractured vertebrae. The discomfort can be extremely unbearable.

Whiplash

Low-speed rear-end collisions are a common cause of whiplash. The force of a vehicle crash causes the head to rock back and forth, hence the name "whiplash.” The violent motion might stretch or tear the neck's muscles and tendons. You can usually manage mild cases of whiplash at home with over-the-counter pain relievers and exercise, and they will improve independently. Chronic neck pain may develop in more acute cases, necessitating more thorough medical attention.

Injuries to the Spinal Cord

Accidents involving motor vehicles are the most common cause of spinal cord injury. Mayo Clinic affirms that victims with "incomplete" spinal cord injuries may retain motor capabilities, although determining the extent of the damage might take weeks. Spinal cord injury can leave victims disabled for the rest of their life. It can result in loss of sensation and function below the injury spot. Apart from total or partial paralysis, spinal cord injuries can result in persistent pain, blood clots, infections, and other serious complications.

Early Symptoms of Upper and Middle Back Injury

After a car accident, you may feel sore and achy for a few days, which is entirely normal. However, keep an eye out for any unusual pain or sensations. Following a car accident, be on the lookout for the following signs and symptoms. Any or all of the following symptoms could indicate a significant back injury requiring medical attention.

• The ability to move normally is lost
• Pain that worsens when you lift, bend, or twist your body
• Numbness, tingling, and weakness on one side of the low back, buttocks, leg, and foot

Many people overlook the signs and symptoms of a back injury following a car accident, assuming that the pain would go away on its own within a few days. However, even a slight but acute back injury can result in persistent discomfort and degenerative changes in the spine.

What Should You Do If You Have Upper and Middle Back Pain?

Keep an eye out for delayed indications of an upper and middle back injury after a vehicle accident. During a traumatic occurrence, your body produces a large amount of adrenaline, which can conceal typical pain signals just after a crash. Even if you feel good right after the accident, consult a doctor if you experience discomfort or symptoms over the next few days, weeks, or months. Your doctor might recommend physical therapy, drugs, a corticosteroid injection, or the use of cold packs as part of your treatment strategy. Many back injuries heal in a few weeks to months with adequate care. Otherwise, you might need surgery if you're still in pain and have limited mobility after many weeks of medicine and physical therapy. After you've seen a doctor, you might wish to speak with a personal injury lawyer who has handled cases similar to yours. Back injury claims are frequently complicated. The opposing party's insurance company could prove difficult to work with.

Don't Pay for Someone Else's Mistake. Call Our Team Now!

The Dolman Law Group's auto accident injury attorneys can represent you and ensure that you receive all of the law's compensation. If you have been hurt in an automobile accident, contact our law firm for a free consultation. We're happy to answer any questions, explain what goes into filing a personal injury claim and go through your legal alternatives with you. Back and neck injuries are not something you should ignore.