What Should I Do if I Have Back Pain After a Car Accident in Cincinnati?

While you may walk away from a car accident feeling no pain, delayed back injuries can be common. Even in minor accidents, the back and neck are vulnerable to soft tissue injuries, slipped discs, and other injuries. Unfortunately, even a minor or moderate back injury can considerably impact your life and lead to chronic pain, wage loss, and steep medical expenses. 

Car crashes in Cincinnati can be caused by driver negligence, such as drunk driving, speeding, and distracted driving. Knowing what to do when you feel back pain after a car accident can be vital for recovering damages from the responsible party. Seeking medical advice and contacting an attorney can be crucial after noticing back pain.

Morgan & Morgan wants to help you recover fully and receive what you deserve. Find out if you qualify for compensation by contacting us now for a free case evaluation.

Common Car Accident Back Injuries

Injuries leading to back pain after a vehicle collision include but are not limited to: 

Whiplash

Whiplash is a common injury prevalent in rear-end crashes caused by the rapid back-and-forth movement of the head during impact. According to the Mayo Clinic, severe whiplash can cause long-term pain and loss of range of motion. While minor whiplash can resolve on its own, moderate or severe whiplash may require various medical treatments such as injections, chiropractic treatments, and surgery. 

Lumbar Spine Injuries

Lumbar spine injuries concern the lower back and can be common in car crashes. Sprains or strains to the lumbar spine can be painful, reduce mobility, and affect a victim’s ability to perform daily activities. 

Thoracic Spine Injuries

The thoracic spine is a term describing the upper back area close to the chest and ribs. Injuries of the thoracic spine seen in car accidents include:

• Compression fractures
• Sprains and strains
• Herniated discs

Thoracic spine injuries can result in chronic back pain and permanent nerve damage.

Degenerative Disc Disease

Car accident injuries can speed up existing disc disease due to the normal aging process. Conditions grouped under the umbrella term of disc disease include slipped discs, pinched nerves, osteoarthritis, sciatica, and others. Back pain after a car accident can result from slipped discs, a common car crash injury.

You do not have to be involved in a severe car accident to experience a serious impact on your long-term health and well-being. Even a seemingly minor crash can cause debilitating and chronic back pain and restrict your mobility. Therefore, you could qualify for compensation whether you suffer from back pain or a severe injury. A car accident lawyer from Morgan & Morgan can determine whether you have legal recourse.

Seek Medical Attention Promptly After a Car Crash in Cincinnati

If you were involved in a crash, pay close attention to any unusual symptoms in the days following the accident. Signs and symptoms of a back injury include: 

• Pain 
• Muscle spasms
• Stiffness 
• Numbness
• Loss of motion range

Your injuries may not be clear immediately after a car accident, as our bodies can suppress pain and discomfort in stressful situations such as a vehicle collision. However, not feeling pain immediately does not mean that you are uninjured. Therefore, consider seeking medical advice promptly after a car accident.

Moreover, if you fail to see a doctor after an accident, recovering compensation from the responsible driver can be challenging. An insurance company might deny or reduce your claim if you fail to provide sufficient evidence linking your injuries with the accident.  

Treating Back Pain After a Car Accident

If you are experiencing back pain after a crash, always consult with a doctor first before self-diagnosing and treating your injury. Your doctor may incorporate various treatments into your back pain treatment plan depending on your injury, such as:

Ice and Heat

Your doctor may recommend ice and heat packs to treat your injury in the first few days. Cooling the injury can help with reducing inflammation, pain, and swelling. On the other hand, heat is useful for soothing tight muscles, making it easier to move around. 

Medications

Back injuries can be excruciatingly painful and debilitating. Your doctor may recommend over-the-counter or prescription pain medications and muscle relaxants to help with discomfort. Pain medication can relieve discomfort and reduce inflammation and swelling after an accident.  

Steroid Injections

If your pain is severe, your doctor may recommend corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation and pain in inflamed soft tissues. Corticosteroid shots can last for weeks or months, making moving around less painful and helping your body to heal.  

Physical Therapy

If you hurt your back in a car accident, physical therapy can be crucial to help you get back on your feet, regain strength, and restore your range of movement. 

Light Exercise 

While rest is vital immediately after a back injury, too much inactivity can hinder the healing process. Once your doctor clears you for low-impact exercise, ensure to stretch and walk regularly. Light exercise can help prevent stiffness, strengthen muscles, and aid your recovery.  

Most minor to moderate accident back injuries resolve within a few weeks with the right medical treatments and adequate rest. However, if you continue to experience pain and loss of movement, your doctor might suggest surgical intervention. Surgery may also be recommended for more severe injuries such as herniated discs, fractures, or a pinched nerve.

Contact an Attorney if You Develop Back Pain

After seeking medical help for your pain, contacting a car accident attorney can be your next best step. Recovering what you deserve can be challenging, particularly if you discover back pain sometime after the crash and did not visit a doctor immediately. Our car accident lawyer in Cincinnati can help you navigate the legal system, negotiate a fair settlement with an insurance company, and file a lawsuit if necessary.