The back is the largest posterior area of the human body and provides support for the rest of the body. It consists of interconnecting bones, muscles, nerves, ligaments, and tendons, all of which can be the origin of pain. However, some back injuries are more common than others. Here are a few of the most typical kinds of back injuries sustained in a car accident:
Herniated discs - The bones that form the spine in the human anatomy are cushioned by small round discs that have a resilient outer layer protecting the gel-like center. These discs can be thought of as the shock absorbers of the spine. When the outer layer is damaged, enabling the center to enter the spinal canal, this is known as a herniated disc (also known as a slipped, ruptured, or bulging disc) and can cause severe pain. While discs can degenerate naturally over time, a single event, such as a car crash, can also be the source of injury.
Lumbar sprains and strains - Car accidents often cause muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the body to stretch beyond their normal capacity, resulting in painful sprains and strains. Stretched connective tissues can become inflamed, causing pain in the lumbar region of the lower back. The lumbar spine supports your body's weight and enables a wide range of motion, making injuries to this region often debilitating.
Discogenic pain - It's often a struggle for doctors to identify the source of discogenic back pain because it can be connected to degenerative conditions and inflammation, except when it occurs right after a car accident. If you experience sharp shooting pains coming from your lower back that are aggravated when you sit, stand, or bend, you may have sustained a back injury from your car accident. This kind of pain is also related to sciatica which causes radiating pain to extend into the legs, feet, and groin.
Spinal stenosis - When the space inside the backbone is too small, pressure on the spinal cord and nerves can cause lower back pain which can worsen over time. Generally, this condition is linked to arthritis, but it can also be brought about by a spinal injury from a car accident.
Cauda equina syndrome - At the end of your spinal cord is a collection of nerves known as the cauda equina that send and receive messages from your legs and pelvic organs. This syndrome may be the result of a large herniated disc which can be caused by a wide variety of reasons, including a violent injury from a car accident. The syndrome frequently requires surgical intervention for relief. Beyond pain, it can cause weakness, numbness, bladder issues, incontinence, and sexual dysfunction problems.
Degenerative spinal disorder - This condition is a catch-all for issues that cause the gradual loss of function and the deterioration of the normal structure of the spine over time. Degenerative spinal disorders often stem from osteoarthritis, spinal stenosis, and slipped or herniated discs. However, a violent impact from a car accident can exacerbate or fast-forward degeneration of the spine.
These are some of the more common lower back pain issues people can experience after a car crash. However, the proper diagnosis from a medical professional is always the best way to determine what is causing your lower back pain. Having a doctor perform diagnostic tests and offer a diagnosis also provides valuable evidence for your insurance claim.
Back injuries should never be left untreated if you want to avoid the possibility of permanent damage. Furthermore, a doctor may be able to provide ways to alleviate the pain while you recover.