Why Do I Have Lower Back Pain After Being Rear-Ended?

Suffering from back pain after a rear-end collision? Rear-end collisions are some of the most common automobile accidents. Even at low speeds, these accidents often lead to significant injuries, including back injuries. Read on to learn why you may have lower back pain after a rear-end collision, as well as how long you can expect to recover from your symptoms.

Common Lower Back Injuries After Rear-End Collisions

There are several lower back injuries that can affect drivers or passengers of vehicles that have been rear-ended. Some of the most common include:

• Arguably the most prevalent of all automobile accident injuries, whiplash occurs due to sharp, sudden movements of the neck and spine. The violent, sudden movements can injure muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the neck and lower back. Symptoms can include loss of range of motion, headaches, pain, fatigue, and more.

• Herniated Disc. Rear-end collisions can damage the discs that cushion the vertebrae in the spine. Even a low-speed impact can cause a disc to move out of place, tear, or even rupture.

• Back Sprain/Strain. Any car accident can lead to sprains and strains. Back sprains from rear-end collisions occur when soft tissue and ligaments in the pack are damaged, while a back strain involves injuries to tendons or muscles in the back.

• Spinal Fracture. When rear-end collisions occur at high speeds, occupants in the rear-ended vehicle can suffer from a spinal fracture. This serious injury involves a break in at least one of the vertebrae in the spine.

How Long Will I Feel Lower Back Pain After a Rear-End Collision?

The length of time you can expect to feel symptoms of lower back pain following a rear-end collision depends on the type of injury you have and how quickly you seek treatment. It’s important to visit a medical provider immediately after you experience a rear-end collision—even if you don’t feel any symptoms.

While a spinal fracture will be immediately apparent and involve several steps and intervention by various medical teams, other conditions like whiplash, herniated discs, sprains, and strains can be addressed with a variety of non-surgical treatments. Even an injury that’s as seemingly simple as whiplash can cause back pain that lasts for days, weeks, months, or longer in severe cases. The faster you seek treatment, the quicker you’ll experience relief from your pain, not to mention a restored range of motion.

Suffering From Lower Back Pain? The Team at Impact Medical Group of Port Richey Can Help!

If you’re living with lower back pain after a rear-end collision, your quality of life and range of motion can be hindered. The team at Impact Medical Group – Port Richey is ready to create a customized treatment plan that addresses your specific injuries and concerns, so you can fully recover after a car accident. Call us today at (727) 848-3377 to schedule your free consultation!