Back pain after a car accident? Here’s what you need to know
Learn the injuries, symptoms, and causes from attorney John S. Williams
Back pain after a car accident is common, even from a minor car accident. Whether it was a rear-end accident or a head-on collision, you may be suffering from a major back injury. Damage to the spine and other back injuries can be life-changing and should be taken seriously.
After seeing a doctor, you should contact The Law Offices of John S. Williams, LLC. Attorney John S. Williams will fight to recover compensation for your accident-related expenses. At our law firm, we treat our clients like family and fight hard for what’s right. Talk to a New Orleans car accident attorney right away.
Common causes of back pain
In the moments after a car accident, it’s normal for your body to feel sore. It’s also normal to walk away feeling fine. Delayed back pain is very common after a car accident. It can take days or even weeks after an accident for you to start to experience symptoms. This is not an indication that you are uninjured. The only way to find out the true extent of your condition and what injuries you may have endured is to be checked by a doctor. They may diagnose you with any of the following injuries.
Herniated disc
The spine is made up of 24 bones and in between each are discs to absorb shock and allow the spine to move. But these discs can only absorb so much shock, so the impact of a car accident can easily rupture them. When suffering from a herniated disc, also called a bulging disc or slipped disc, you may feel a sharp shooting pain through your arm or leg.
L5-S1 Disc injury
The L5-S1 disc is located in the lower back right above the tailbone, also called the lumbar spine. When experiencing lower back pain, it is most likely caused by a damaged L5-S1 disc. Like most disc herniations, the pain can be intense. Pressure is put on the surrounding nerves, causing lower back pain.
The lumbar spine can also sprain and strain after a car accident. If your ligaments are damaged in a car accident, you’d suffer a sprain. If your ligaments, tendons, and muscles were stretched, that’s a strain. Both are very painful and can limit your spine’s mobility.
Lower back whiplash
Muscles and ligaments can become stretched beyond their normal range of motion, resulting in pain and stiffness.
Common car accident back pain symptoms
Many people wonder when to see a doctor after a crash. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, you most likely have a back injury and should seek medical attention as soon as possible. These symptoms include:
- Upper, middle, or lower back pain
- Chronic pain
- Stiffness
- Numbness
- Muscle spasms
- Difficulty standing or walking
The causes of back pain listed above should be taken seriously. If your back hurts after a car accident, visit a doctor. They will provide you with the proper treatment for your specific injury.
Common car accident back pain treatments
You may think your back aches will gradually go away, but that often isn’t the case. To make sure you properly heal you need the right treatment. Treatments can be short-term, long-term, non-invasive, or surgical. It all depends on the nature of your injury. Common treatments include:
- Over-the-counter pain medication
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Physical therapy
- Corticosteroid injections
- Chiropractic care
- Spinal cord surgery
Car accidents can cause permanent back pain, so it is crucial you see a doctor as soon as possible to be treated. Seeking medical treatment is not only important for your health but will help your future claim.
Filing a claim
Many people choose to file a claim after a car accident to seek compensation for their injuries. Every car accident is unique, so you may have a complicated case on your hands. That’s why people hire an attorney. The Law Offices of John S. Williams LLC can guide you through the process and fight for the financial compensation you deserve. Our legal team can calculate how much your car accident back pain settlement is worth and fight to make sure you receive nothing less.
Get help from a New Orleans attorney after your car accident
Car accident cases involving back pain tend to be complicated due to the nature of back injuries. Any damage to the spine could result in a life-long injury. We know the impact this can have on someone’s life, and we do everything in our power to help them move on.
At the Law Offices of John S. Williams, our legal team has the knowledge and experience to build a strong case around your back injury. We want our clients to recover from their injuries and fight hard to get them the money they need to do so.
If you suffered from back pain after a car accident in New Orleans, contact us today to learn how we can help you. Our law firm offers legal representation on a contingency fee basis. So, you won’t pay us anything unless we recover your compensation.