Any time a car accident occurs, there is a risk of neck and back injuries. In fact, experiencing neck and lower back pain directly after a crash is extremely common.
If you have been in a recent car crash and are experiencing neck or back pain, it’s important to seek the advice of a medical doctor who can identify the root cause of your injury and set up an appropriate treatment plan.
Neck Injuries Caused By a Car Crash
Neck injuries in a car crash are often caused by whiplash. Whiplash occurs when there is a forceful back-and-forth movement of the neck, similar to the cracking of a whip. It is commonly caused by rear-end car accidents.
Most people who suffer from whiplash get better within a few weeks. However, some people will continue to have pain months in the future. Severe cases can result in reduced mobility in the head and neck.
It is difficult to predict how each person will recover. In general, those who suffer from pre-existing neck or back issues fare more poorly.
Back Injuries Caused By a Car Crash
Often, back injuries from an automobile crash happen due to damage to the spinal discs. The associated pain is referred to as discogenic pain.
When one or more spinal discs are damaged, the pain can be intense. Most people who experience back pain after a collision face pain in the lumbar spine.
Lumbar Sprains
A lumbar sprain can result in damaged tendons and muscles that spasm and feel sore.
A physician can diagnose a lumbar sprain using an X-ray, CT scan, MRI, or electromyogram (EMG). Treatment usually involves physical therapy, spinal injections, anti-inflammatory medications, and rest.
Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis occurs when there is a narrowing in the spaces between vertebrae in the spine. This can occur from the force absorbed during a car accident.
Symptoms of spinal stenosis include:
- Numbness or tingling in the foot or leg
- Weakness
- Pain or cramping in one or both legs
- Back pain
Diagnosis of spinal stenosis is made via X-ray, CT scan, or MRI. Once a physician has determined that spinal stenosis is the cause of your injury, they will design a treatment plan.
Common treatments include pain relievers, opioids, physical therapy, and surgery. The extent of the damage will determine the treatment required.
Disc Herniation
A herniated disc refers to a problem with one of the rubbery cushions that sit between the vertebrae that stack to make your spine. Each disc is encased in a shell. If something occurs to the shell, the material inside may rub against the vertebrae, causing intense pain.
Symptoms usually include arm or leg pain, numbness, or tingling. Often, a doctor will try to manage the pain using anti-inflammatory medications, but surgery may be necessary in some cases.
Treating Neck and Back Pain After an Accident
If you are experiencing neck or back pain after an accident, it’s important to see a doctor or physician as soon as possible. A medical professional can assess your injuries. Once a diagnosis is given, you can begin a plan for recovery.
If another driver is at fault for your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation. A personal injury lawyer can help you recover economic damages to cover your past and future medical expenses related to your neck or back injury. Moreover, they can help you recover money for the pain and suffering you’ve experienced as a result of those injuries.
Contact the Tampa Car Accident Law Firm of Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
For more information, please contact the legal team of Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers for a free initial consultation with a car accident lawyer in Tampa. We have convenient locations in Florida: St. Petersburg, Safety Harbor, Clearwater, New Port Richey, and Tampa.
We serve throughout Pinellas County, Hillsborough County, Pasco County, and its surrounding areas:
Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers - Clearwater Office
1811 N. Belcher Road, Suite I-1
Clearwater, FL 33765
(727) 787-2500
Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers - Congress Ave Office
2360 Congress Avenue
Clearwater, FL 33763
(727) 591-5610
Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers - Tampa Office
6601 Memorial Hwy Suite 202
Tampa, FL 33615
(813) 686-7588
Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers - New Port Richey Office
2515 Seven Springs Blvd.
New Port Richey, FL, 34655
(727) 815-8442
Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers - St. Petersburg Law Office
840 Beach Dr NE Suite 202
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
(727) 787-2500
Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers - Safety Harbor Law Office
202 9th Ave S Suite A-2
Safety Harbor, FL 34695
(727) 787-2500
