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Why Does My Back Hurt After a Car Accident?

Written By Chapman Health Group on September 9, 2023

a photo of a person with back pain

Even if you don’t sustain serious injuries in an auto accident, you might develop aches, pains, and strains days or weeks later. One of the most common auto accident complaints is back pain after a car accident. At Chapman Health Group, our chiropractor Dr. Todd Chapman evaluates and treats all levels of neck and back pain after a car accident in Leesburg, FL. Our team can complete a full assessment and evaluation, including diagnostic testing, to uncover hidden auto injuries and find the underlying cause of your back pain. Here’s a look at some of the most common reasons you might have back pain after a car accident. 

Soft Tissue Injuries

Soft tissue injuries are the most common cause of back and neck pain after a car accident. You may have a sprain or strain that occurred when your body was jerked or pulled around forcefully during the accident. A strain is an injury that occurs when your muscle or tendon is stretched or torn. Strains might cause back or neck pain, muscle spasms, inflammation, swelling, cramping, and muscle weakness. A sprain occurs when your ligaments are injured or stressed out. You’ll have similar symptoms as a strain, but you will also see bruising and discoloration at the site of the injury.

Lumbar Fracture 

The second most common lower back injury from auto accidents is a lumbar spine fracture. Your lumbar spine is the segment of your spine in your lower back. An auto accident can cause your body to be pushed or pulled forcefully, but your seatbelt will anchor your body in place. This can cause a Chance fracture or flexion-distraction injury. Symptoms of a Chance fracture are moderate to severe lower back pain that gets worse when you move. You may also develop numbness or tingling in your limbs, weakness in your limbs, and bowel or bladder problems.  

Herniated Disc

A herniated disc can occur due to the sudden impact of a car accident. A herniated disc in your neck, middle, or lower spine can cause back or neck pain after a car accident. Herniated discs are a common auto injury in head-on collisions or side-swipe collisions. A herniated disc can cause low back pain that goes away in a few days, numbness or tingling in your leg or foot, and weakness in your leg or foot. 

Schedule a Consultation With Our Chiropractor in Leesburg, FL

If you have back or neck pain after a car accident in Leesburg, FL don’t wait until your symptoms are worse to make an appointment. Our team at Chapman Health Group can determine what is causing your pain, run testing and imaging, and design a treatment plan. Even if you don’t have symptoms of an injury after a car accident, schedule an appointment for an evaluation. Back pain may not develop for several days after an auto accident. Click here to request an appointment online.


Posted In: Chiropractic Auto Accident Treatment