Why Do I Have Back Pain 2 Years After Accident?

Car accidents can have severe consequences for the people involved. They can result in injuries, property damage and even post traumatic stress disorder. In some cases, the effects of a car accident can last for a long time. They can even lead to permanent disabilities that can affect the victim’s quality of life.

Signs Of a Back Injury After a Car Accident

A back injury is one of the common injuries that result from a car accident. A vehicular crash can affect the victim’s spinal cord and neck. As the body experiences the impact of the car crash, it goes into motion until it is stopped by something. It can be a seatbelt, an airbag, the steering wheel, the seat in front, or even the ground.

The violent motion that the body endures during a car accident can lead to spinal cord injuries, back and neck injuries, whiplash, and chronic back pains. Seek immediate medical attention if after a car accident you or a loved one is suffering back injury symptoms like:

Types Of Back Injuries After a Car Accident

Various kinds of back injuries can result in a car accident. Most of these car accident injuries are caused by a whiplash. A whiplash injury can damage the soft tissue and the spinal cord. In addition, people with previous back problems, such as spinal stenosis, may worsen their back issues after a car accident.

Back injuries and their symptoms can greatly vary. Some car accident victims may have one or more back injury types, which will need the diagnosis of a specialist.

Here are some typical back and neck injuries that may occur after a car accident.

Back Strains and Sprains

If you are experiencing chronic pain in your back, it is possible that you have a soft tissue injury. The soft tissue overstretches with a back strain. Too much stretching of the soft tissue leads to damage to the tendons in the back.

A back sprain, on the other hand, affects the ligaments connecting the bones to other bones and joints.

Imaging cannot pick up back strains and sprains and can cause pain after a car accident. Often, the pain worsens when the victim moves. Those who suspect having them should seek the help of an experienced medical professional who can perform a physical examination.

Thoracic Vertebrae or Lumbar Fractures

It refers to a spinal fracture, where one or more of the vertebrae is damaged or broken. There are four types of spinal fractures, classified below.

Herniated Disc

Also known as slipped, bulged, or ruptured spinal discs, a herniated disc occurs when part of the spinal disc nucleus pushes out through its annulus or outer ring into the spinal canal. This bulging spinal disc presses on the spinal nerves, causing severe or burning back pain.

Facet Joint Injuries

The facet joints connect the vertebral bones of the spine. Nerve roots run through these joints, going to the different parts of the body. The facet joints enable the body to twist and bend safely. However, when damaged, they affect the nerves, causing pain to the car wreck victim.

Spondylolisthesis Degenerative Disc Disease

Spondylolisthesis is a condition that occurs when one of the vertebrae slips into the place of the vertebra below it. The vertebra is often displaced due to a stress fracture. How the vertebra is displaced can affect the pain that the car wreck victim may suffer. People suffering from this condition may suffer lower back injury symptoms.

Sciatica Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis refers to the condition where the spinal column narrows. This puts pressure on the nerves and the spinal cord, which results in numbness and chronic pain. Medical care may depend on each case. Treatment can vary from non-invasive options to spinal stenosis surgery.

Most Common Causes of Chronic Back Pain

Chronic back pain is defined as back pain lasting for over 12 months. It is a pain that can persist for months, even for years.

Back pain is one of the most common medical issues in the US. Some of the most common causes of chronic back pain are spine injuries, such as:

What To Do Next If You Suffer Back Pain 2 Years After a Car Accident?

Not feeling back pain after a car accident does not mean that everything is fine. It may take hours, even days, to the onset of the pain.

After receiving treatment and physical therapy, the pain may start to subside and disappear. However, some may feel back pain even years after the accident.

Chronic back pain is one of the most common long-term effects of car accidents. Individuals who feel back pain years after their accidents should seek medical attention immediately. They should also accurately describe the symptoms that they experience and let their physicians know that they were involved in a car accident. This way, their treating specialist can arrive at an accurate diagnosis of their condition.

Medical treatment for chronic back pain often includes symptom management or require physical therapy, pain medication, steroid injection, and acupuncture.

Can Accident Victims Sue In Case of Back and Spine Injury?

Yes, accident victims can sue for back injuries that result from car accidents. Back and spinal cord injuries can affect a victim’s quality of life. You may even lose the ability to work for a living. Victims can sue for damages to cover their medical treatment, lost wages, medical mileage, replacement services, attendant care, vehicle repair, and pain and suffering. Victims or their relatives must seek the counsel of an experienced car accident lawyer to help them in their quest for justice.

Get Medical Treatment and Contact a Lawyer If You Experience Pain After a Car Accident

Delayed symptoms are common after an auto accident. If after weeks or months you feel back pain after a car accident, don’t hesitate to seek treatment immediately. Once your neck pain or acute back pain is under control, contact an injury lawyer to know your legal options.

An experienced and reputable personal injury lawyer can help car accident victims recover just and rightful compensation. They can assist car accident victims by negotiating with the insurance company or representing the client in court when needed.

The Clark Law Office is a trusted Michigan personal injury firm representing people and defending their rights. Contact us now for a free consultation and let us know how we can help you.