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Can A Minor Car Accident Cause Back Pain

Treating Herniated Discs In The Low Back That Impinge On Nerve Roots

Crosley Law Firm | Can A Minor Car Crash Cause Serious Back Injuries?

The first line of treatment for a herniated disc is giving it time to heal. If the pain continues more than a month, your doctor may suggest an epidural steroid injection. The steroid medication is injected into the spine to reduce swelling and inflammation, which is sometimes enough to stop the disc from touching the nerve root. When the treatment is successful, the pain radiating down the buttocks and into the leg goes away. Unfortunately, this treatment does not fully heal the herniated disc. As a result, swelling and inflammation can return over time, along with the radiating pain. Some people get a lifetime of relief, while others get six to eight months of pain relief and then need another injection.

Avoid Long Periods Of Sitting

It’s also important to minimize the amount of time you spend sitting. Sitting can actually put more strain on your back and make the pain worse.

Avoid long car rides if you can and try to get up from your desk at work every 20-30 minutes to walk around and stretch. This will help keep blood flowing properly, which will encourage faster healing.

Treatment For Back Pain After An Accident

The treatment for back pain after an accident varies by the injury type, location, and severity. A back brace, gentle stretching, and rest can help symptoms from whiplash subside in some cases. However, you may need additional care or referral to a spine surgeon for back pain. Treatment may include:

  • Physical therapy

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Integrity Spine And Orthopedics Treats Car Accident Injuries

A back injury can put you out of commission for weeks or months. We recommend contacting Integrity Spine and Orthopedics as soon as possible if youve been in a car accident and have back, neck or soft tissue pain and symptoms. Our board-certified orthopedic surgeons specialize in pain management, general orthopedics and minimally invasive spine surgeries to treat a wide range of spine, muscle and joint conditions caused by car crashes. The sooner we get you started on the right treatment plan, the sooner youll be back on your feet and doing the activities you love.

Can I Sue For Chronic Back Pain After A Car Accident

What Causes Neck Pain After a Car Accident?

Yes. If your auto insurance company refuses to pay for or cuts-off No-Fault benefits related to your injury, then you can sue for unpaid, overdue medical bills and lost wages.

You can also for pain and suffering compensation as a result of your crash-related backache, but you will first have to show that the other driver was at-fault for causing the crash and that your backache constitutes a serious impairment of body function under our auto law.

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Will My Whiplash Pain Go Away

In most cases, the pain from whiplash typically goes away after about 6 weeks. However, a vast majority of the pain should dissipate a couple of days after the accident as the soft tissues impacted begin to heal and inflammation dies down.

While painful, whiplash typically doesnt affect the vital nerves, bones or other structures located within the neck and pain can be reduced with ice, pain-relieving medication and rest.

Which means that the prognosis for victims of whiplash is often good, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.

That said, about 12-50% of people still report experiencing symptoms, like headaches or neck pain, after a year and others will continue to exhibit symptoms the rest of their lives.

The amount of time that pain lasts is typically dependent on the seriousness of the accident, the amount of damage that was caused to the spine and soft tissues and whether or not you had any preexisting spinal conditions beforehand.

Contact An Auto Accident Attorney

Upper back injuries can lead to lasting damage to your body. They can also cost you thousands upon thousands of dollars in medical bills. If you were the victim in an accident, submit a free case evaluation and find out how one of our auto accident attorneys may be able to help you recover compensation to cover the costs associated with your injury.

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Back Pain After A Car Accident: What To Do

After a car accident, its important to get checked out by a doctor. Even if you dont head to the emergency room after an accident, you should make an appointment with an orthopedic specialist as soon as possible. Doing so helps you rule out potential problems and get the all-clear before attempting activities that could make it worse.

For example, carrying laundry up the stairs or holding a young child could all worsen the pain after a car accident. Exacerbating the problem can lead to a longer recovery time or result in further damage.

Your doctor may request an x-ray or MRI to see if theres disc damage or degeneration, followed by a discography to pinpoint specific problematic discs. They can look closer at your injuries, assess your mobility limitations, and suggest potential therapies.

How To Treat Facet Joint Pain From Auto Accidents

How To Treat Back Pain After A Car Accident.

Never push yourself too hard if you feel any discomfort or pain in your facet joints.

Move slowly, and if you feel any significant pain, you should immediately stop what you’re trying to do.

If the pain persists, you can massage over the area to help relieve any muscle spasms that might be occurring.

Pain medication is an option for neck pain but beware of the side effects.

Another solution to help treat facet joint pains is to seek a licensed and qualified chiropractor.

The chiropractor will give you detailed information on what happened to your facet joints, the exact location of the pain, and what needs to be done to alleviate said ache.

Last but not least, you should exercise to help improve the stiffness and spasms.

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Your Spine Is Complicated And Sensitive

Your spine is composed of many delicate structures prone to injury. Typically, doctors organize the spine into five sections:

  • Cervical: the seven vertebrae between your head and shoulders
  • Thoracic: the twelve mid-back vertebrae that support your ribs and protect your heart and lungs
  • Lumbar: the five vertebrae in your low back
  • Sacrum: a series of fused vertebrae that connect your spine to your hips
  • Coccyx: your tailbone

Within each section of our spine, different tissues and structures exist:

  • Vertebrae are interlocking bones that create your spinal column.
  • Discs are the shock absorbers for your spine. Located between the vertebrae, each disc has a fibrous exterior that holds a gelatinous material inside .
  • The spinal cord is a complicated bundle of neurons housed within the vertebrae that transmit messages between your brain and body.
  • Your spinal nerves include 31 pairs branching off your spinal cord and communicating messages to specific parts of the body.
  • Ligaments are fibrous bands of tissue that hold your spine together and protect it.

Many of the spaces that your nerves and soft tissues pass through in the neck, back, and spine are extremely narrow. For this reason, swelling, inflammation, and mild injuries can cause serious pain and dysfunction.

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Pain When Standing Or Walking

Physical activity can cause discomfort when you have been injured in a traffic accident. Walking and standing may cause back pain for victims.

If you feel pain while standing or walking, it is critical to contact a medical professional. This type of discomfort may be the result of damage to your back.

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Upper Back Pain: Overview And Symptoms

The upper back runs from the base of the neck to the bottom of the rib cage and is composed of 12 bones. Doctors refer to this area as the thoracic spine. Upper back pain can manifest itself anywhere in this region.

The upper back can be a source of immense pain for auto accident victims. Oftentimes, people describe symptoms including:

  • Sharp, knifelike pain in one particular area
  • Stiffness and reduced mobility in muscles, ligaments, and/or joints
  • Radiating pain that ranges from dull to feeling like an electric shock
  • Throbbing and discomfort in the upper back or a nearby area such as the neck
  • Tingling, numbness, or weakness that spreads into the arms, chest, or stomach

Thoracic Spine Injury Caused By A Car Accident

What Auto Accident Injuries Can Cause Back And Neck Pain?

The thoracic spine is the upper and middle back, between the neck and lumbar spine and supporting the rib cage. The vertebrae are numbered T1 to T12. Injuries to the thoracic spine are often the most severe back injuries.

High-speed car accidents that cause sprains or fractures in the thoracic spine can lead to permanent nerve damage.

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Changes In Personality Or Functioning

There is a possibility that this symptom indicates head trauma. Following a car accident, personality changes usually occur along with irritability, temperament, or feelings of melancholy. In addition, it can refer to experiencing difficulties thinking, concentrating, moving, or looking around in ways not experienced before.

How Long Should My Back Hurt After A Car Accident

The fact that you feel fine after a car accident does not mean that everything is fine. It could take hours or even days for you to feel uncomfortable after the accident. It is common to experience delayed onset back pain following a car accident. An injury to the spine, bulging discs, or soft tissue could cause pain.

It is not uncommon for accident victims to feel fine after a collision. The adrenaline wears off, however, leading to delayed back pain that often appears days or even weeks later. This is why getting medical attention is so important, even if you do not feel injured.

When you seek medical help as soon as possible after a car accident, you safeguard against your pain escalating if you discover your injuries were more severe than you realized. If you wait days after the accident before seeking medical attention, insurance companies may assert that the symptoms resulted from previously occurring activities.

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Statute Of Limitations On Claiming A Car Accident Injury In Wisconsin: How Long You Have To Make A Claim

Every state is different. In some states its only 1 year, in others its up to 6. Youll need to contact an attorney near you to verify and ensure youve got a solid case and good reason to sue.

Wisconsin statute of limitations for claiming a car accident injury

In the state of Wisconsin, the statute of limitations to report an injury in a car accident is 3years . There are several other important car accident laws affecting injury claims in Wisconsin.

ready to make them pay?

Your approach to filing a claim is paramount to maximizing the settlement.

Dont do this on your own. Get an experienced, successful personal injury lawyer on your side to begin fighting and get every last penny youre owed for your pain and suffering. It matters.

Take action. Contact personal injury attorney Steve Caya in southeastern Wisconsin for a free consultation. His office is in Janesville, but we can arrange a place to meet anywhere in the state to discuss your case.

When Should I See A Doctor After Feeling Back Pain From An Auto Accident

Effects of Car Accidents

If youve been in a vehicle accident and suspect youve been hurt, experiencing intense pain or something doesnt seem right, you should visit a doctor straight once. Severe injuries, such as broken bones, neck injuries, spinal injuries, thoracic injuries, or head trauma, require immediate evaluation and treatment. Whiplash, in particular, can develop up to 24 hours after an injury.

Your doctor will examine your back, neck, shoulders, and overall health. They will also advise on how to monitor possible damage if the symptoms develop over time.

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Areas Affected By An Automobile Accident

An automobile collision can affect the lumbar vertebrae , thoracic vertebrae , and cervical vertebrae . Each area consists of tissues, nerves, ligaments, bones, tendons, and muscles extending from your neck to your pelvis.

With 33 vertebrae spine bones, 31 nerve roots, and 32 muscles in your neck and back, any damage can have long-lasting effects. The most common back injuries are to the lumbar spine located in the lower back. There are five vertebrae in your lumbar spine. Soft discs with a soft nucleus and rugged outer ring sit between each vertebra.

Thoracic injuries are less common due to their rigid structure but more serious as the upper back connects to the rib and chest region. Damage to one or more of the 12 vertebrae can affect your breathing, cause nerve damage, or lead to chronic pain.

Some injuries, such as soft tissue problems, may not show up right away. Seeking medical treatment immediately can rule out any critical issues and shorten your auto accident recovery time.

Get Pain Relief At Arrowhead Clinic

Knowing the cause of neck pain after an auto accident is half the battle, but you shouldn’t stop there.

Always seek a chiropractor’s help at the first sign of neck pain to accurately diagnose the root and location of the issue.

Chiropractic care is significantly effective in treating the spinal and soft tissue injuries commonly associated with accidents.

If you live in the Georgia or South Carolina area and would like a free consultation from an experienced and professional chiropractor near you, don’t hesitate to click the banner below.

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What To Do When You Begin To Feel Back Pain After A Car Accident

First, go and seek medical attention â no matter how minor the accident was.

When an accident occurs, adrenaline kicks in immediately. You may not feel the pain at the time, but you should still pay a visit to the doctor to avoid developing a serious back injury. Get yourself checked so that there can be a medical record if you experience neck or back pain afterward. And always follow the doctorâs orders.

After an accident occurs, you will need to report the accident to law enforcement and notify your insurance company. If a negligent party caused your injury, you may receive communication from their insurance company.

Keep the following tips in mind:

How A Chiropractor Can Treat The Most Common Car Accident Injuries

Can a Minor Auto Accident Cause Pain?

When John* pulled out from the Applebees on Pines Boulevard and stopped at the intersection on N. Palm Avenue, he had no idea his life was about to change for the worse.

Hed barely stopped at the light when another car hit him from behind. The collision occurred so fast that afterward, he could hardly remember how it happened.

It wasnt a particularly nasty accident his car only received a small dent. But it ruined Johns day. Unfortunately, he had no idea how long he would be feeling the effects of this wreck.

John initially didnt believe hed been hurt he didnt even go to the hospital following the accident. But three weeks later, he awoke with a throbbing headache and a stiff neck. He tried to treat the pain with over-the-counter medicines, but his symptoms worsened.

After a few weeks, he visited his doctor. Johns doctor put him on a prescription pain medication, which helped at first. But Johns symptoms grew worse and worse, and he needed a higher dosage every few days to dull the ache. John knew the cycle couldnt continue, and so, on the advice of a friend, he made an appointment to see a Pembroke Pines chiropractor at Rush Chiropractic.

But even small rear-end collisions can have substantial physical effects.

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The 7 Symptoms That Follow Car Accident Injuries

1. Headache

Developing headaches after an auto accident is one of the most common symptoms people have. Usually, they are completely harmless and will go away in time.

However, sometimes they can signal much more severe problems. Blood clots on the brain, and injury to your neck or head, or even a serious concussion be signaled by headaches.

If you develop headaches after an accident, it’s a good idea to see a doctor. You want to be sure it’s not a sign of a worse condition that can cause serious damage to your health.

You also need to be aware of the risk of traumatic brain injury. If you hit your head in an accident, the soft tissue of your brain may impact the hard interior skull of your head.

This could potentially cause swelling, bruising, bleeding and damage to the brain tissue.

This kind of traumatic brain injury can be life-threatening, even if you walk away from the accident with no symptoms at first.

Over time, a headache may be the first symptom you have suffered a brain injury.

2. Neck And Shoulder Pain

Pain in the neck and shoulders is typically a sign of whiplash, one of the most common injuries sustained in a car accident.

You can experience this pain right after the wreck, but sometimes the symptoms can take days to set in.

If you begin to notice pain or stiffness around your head, neck, or shoulders, make a trip to see your doctor.

Your doctor will schedule an x-ray or MRI to diagnose your injuries accurately.

3. Back Pain

6. PTSD

What Happens To Muscles That Have Been Strained From Whiplash

Whiplash typically occurs when a muscle, tendon or ligament is stretched past its normal capacity, or hyperextended.

Have you ever heard of a knee hyperextending? Its the same principle in your neck.

Your muscles, tendons and ligaments are only meant to stretch so far. For example, your arms and legs typically only stretch to a 180-degree angle.

This natural limit allows you to have incredible flexibility and movement in your extremities, while still allowing you to maintain balance and keep vital interior structures from being compressed and injured.

When, through the use of excessive force, these soft tissues are stretched beyond their capabilities the result is almost always strain of some sort.

Think about it like a rubber band. The band has a limit to how far it will naturally stretch and when it is extended beyond that point you start doing damage to the structure itself. The extent of the damage depends almost entirely on how far it is extended.

Your neck is the same way and the excessive and sudden motion of a car accident can cause the soft tissues holding it to tear on a micro level which typically produces pain, stiffness and inflammation at the site of the injury.

Other common symptoms of whiplash can include:

  • Headaches, especially at the base of the skull
  • Dizziness
  • Constant weariness

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