What Causes Neck and Lower Back Pain in an Auto Accident?
The sudden impact in a car accident usually causes different neck and back injuries to the victims. These injuries involve muscle, bone, or spine damage that can cause severe neck and lower back pain.
It is better to visit a physician right after an auto accident to address any discomfort you may have sustained. However, you should still know the injuries that cause neck and lower back pain to identify the symptoms when filing a claim.
Common Injuries that Cause Neck and Lower Back Pain After an Accident
1. Whiplash Injuries
Whiplash results from the rapid and forceful swinging of your neck in different directions as your back remain steady upon impact. So, the quick movements strain the muscles and may also damage your upper spine.
Some of the most common whiplash symptoms include:
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Lower back pain
- Shoulder pain
- Pain or numbness on the arm or hand
- Dizziness
- Blurry vision
- Forgetfulness and lack of focus
- Fatigue
- Sleeplessness
2. Herniated Disc Injury
Another common car accident injury includes herniated spinal disc. It occurs if the crash causes a forceful impact on your spine and dislocates the spinal discs.
Remember that the spinal column has a series of discs that cover the spinal cord or nerves. Dislocation of one or a few discs may damage the spinal nerves and cause severe health problems like paralysis.
Some of the common herniated disc symptoms include:
- Radiating pain to your limbs and extremities
- Numbness or tingling sensation
- Weakening of your limb muscles
A herniated disc can occur either in your neck or lower back area. The symptoms you will experience depend on the location of the injury.
For example, imagine you have sustained a herniated disc on your lower spine area. You are likely to experience pain, numbness, or tingling sensations on your legs and feet. Your lower extremities can also weaken and make it difficult for you to stand and walk.
On a side note, the herniated disc is a severe type of injury you may sustain from a car accident. Consult an auto accident attorney in Glendale to claim the rightful compensation.
3. Lumbar Sprain
The car crash impact may exert too much pressure on your lumbar region or lower back. The force may stretch the tendons, ligaments, and muscles in that area beyond their capacity and result in sprain injuries.
The lumbar sprain may show these symptoms:
- Lower back pain
- Lower back spasms
- Your lower back feels sore when touched
The lumbar sprain symptoms may make it difficult for you to move. Fortunately, this injury only requires simple treatment like proper exercise, anti-inflammatory medicines, and warm and cold compress.
4. Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis is another severe injury you may sustain from an auto accident. It happens when the bones, joints, and discs surrounding your spinal nerve sustain damage and narrow the spinal canal.
The spinal canal is the area where your spinal nerves pass through. However, you will sustain severe injuries, like paralysis, if the bone fragments touch and damage the nerves.
It’s crucial to immediately consult a doctor if you sustain spinal stenosis to avoid complications. You may require surgeries to correct this condition.
Consult a Glendale Auto Accident Lawyer to Claim Injury Settlements
The conditions above are only four of the usual causes of neck and lower back pain after a car accident. Remembering them helps you identify the symptoms you feel and accurately describe them in your claim.
However, medical consultation is still vital to receive proper treatment. Also, ask your doctor for medical reports to support your case.
Moreover, hiring an auto accident attorney in Glendale helps prove your neck or back injury and gets you your rightful compensation.