People endanger their health every day that they are on the road, due to other careless drivers. Even if you are following all traffic laws and exercising an abundance of caution, you still cannot account for the behavior of other motorists. Someone speeding, ignoring stop lights, or just generally driving recklessly could be the reason why you wind up involved in a crash.
Thankfully, not all car crashes are serious incidents. You may be involved in a fender bender or less.
Still, even a minor accident can have an impact on your health and well-being, including being the cause of lower back pain. Back pain after a car accident is a real problem that must be addressed promptly and effectively.
The Impact of Back Pain After a Car Accident
Back pain can be a nightmare to contend with if not properly treated. It’s the kind of pain that can keep you from enjoying life or getting important things in your life accomplished. According to Medical News Today, lower back pain has even been regarded as the “leading cause” for people missing work and becoming inactive.
Unfortunately, back pain rarely goes away easily or on its own. It is entirely possible to end up experiencing some kind of discomfort long after the accident took place.
Additionally, the chronic nature of back pain also means that it could temporarily recede, only to come back later if you make a wrong movement, or sleep in an odd position.
Because back pain is a nuisance that can prevent you from carrying the tasks of your daily life, it can have an impact on your life that goes beyond physical discomfort.
Being unable to move freely can potentially cost you your job if you are unable to perform your work duties. Medical News Today even goes on to state that back pain has been linked to the development of mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.
What is important to realize is that back pain can be damaging to an individual in more ways than one. If you are suffering as a result of it, you must take action and as soon as possible.
WHY AUTO ACCIDENTS CAN CAUSE BACK PAIN
The back pain you’re experiencing can be caused by a variety of factors. Conditions such as osteoarthritis and osteoporosis are possible explanations.
In the case of a car accident, your back pain may be caused by a strain, fracture, and/or a bulging disc.
Muscle and ligament strains often occur after people lift something heavy, but they can also be caused by a “sudden awkward movement,” according to the Mayo Clinic. The force from a car crash and the way it contorts your body can easily impact the spine and its surrounding muscles.
With regard to bulging discs, they are often caused by gradual wear and tear. However, there are cases wherein a disc along your spine may become misaligned following a forceful blow to your back. The impact coming from a car crash could easily provide that forceful blow.
THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF BACK PAIN
One of the most confusing aspects of back pain after an accident is that it may not manifest itself right away.
In response to any injuries incurred during the accident, your body will often produce endorphins (your body’s natural pain medicine) to counteract the pain. It’s possible that you may not feel anything wrong until some time after the accident.
However, once the endorphins begin to wear off, you may begin to experience tightness and discomfort in your lower, middle, or upper back, depending on where you have sustained your injuries.
Take note that the pain can also be felt in other parts of your body. You may experience pain in your legs or arms following the accident as well.
It’s also possible for the pain to continue to get worse. Contorting your back in any unnatural way can cause the level of pain to increase. Carrying a heavy object could wind up causing or exacerbating damage as well.
Don’t forget that back pain can also be related to pulled or torn muscles in the lumbar region. You should not be surprised if you begin to experience aching muscles in the aftermath of your car accident.
WHEN SHOULD YOU GO SEE A DOCTOR TO HAVE YOUR BACK PAIN CHECKED?
If you’ve been in a car accident, it’s very important to see a car accident doctor as soon as possible, regardless of how minor you think the accident was. Remember that not all injuries are obvious. There may be injuries you’re not noticing because you don’t know what to look for.
On top of medical intervention with an experienced accident doctor, you can also use hot and cold packs from the comfort of your own home as well.
Focusing heat on to the injured part of your body will improve circulation. If more oxygenated blood reaches your back, the recovery process could speed up. Plus, the heat will prevent your back from tightening up.
Meanwhile, the cold pack will come in handy for dulling the pain. Swelling and inflammation caused by the accident may also be addressed by the cold pack.
Try to stay off your feet and regularly utilize the hot and cold packs for about a week. The pain should subside after that time if you have a minor injury.
TREATMENTS FOR BACK PAIN AFTER AN AUTO ACCIDENT
Your individual treatment will be created by your doctor based on the type and severity of your injuries.
Schedule an appointment with an auto accident injury chiropractor. Chiropractors can treat your injuries at their source by employing various techniques including:
- Acupuncture
- Chiropractic adjustments
- Core strengthening
- Manipulation under anesthesia
- Spinal decompression
- Physical therapies
- Manual therapy
Many people prefer going to a chiropractor for back pain treatment because they appreciate the holistic approach, and receiving specialized care that helps heal injuries and relieve pain without the fear of dangerous medications or surgery.
If you are looking for effective treatment for the back pain you sustained in a car accident, schedule an appointment with Dr. Dave Jenkins at Seminole Chiropractic Center today. Dr. Jenkins will handle your injuries with care and help you get back to feeling your best as soon as possible. Call today at 321-775-9955 to learn more about how we can help you.