5 Tips To Help Manage Your Back Injury From A Car Accident

Car accidents are, unfortunately, a daily occurrence in most places across the world. In some cases, these accidents are low-impact, and there is no bodily harm to the people involved or damage to the vehicles. However, injuries from a car accident can occur and often have a long-lasting impact on quality of life.

A back injury after a car accident can be distressing for those affected. Symptoms can range from a dull ache to a sharp shooting pain and difficulty with everyday activities. However, with the right input and support, it is possible to manage your back injury from a car accident.

Keep reading to learn more.

Why Do Back Injuries Occur?

The forces that occur in a car accident can be significant. The faster a car is travelling, the less time it has to stop. And, depending on the speed of the cars, large forces can be generated in the collision.

Your spine is a complex system, with multiple structures that work together to support movement and flexibility, including joints, muscles, ligaments, and soft tissue. Whilst these structures are strong and resilient, they are susceptible to injury in an accident. An injury can occur anywhere along the spine, from the cervical region (neck) to the sacrum (base of the spine). For example, a head-on car accident may cause whiplash and compress the small facet joints between the vertebrae (spinal bones) in the neck. Or, in some cases, the high forces of a car accident may cause a disc herniation in the lower spine.

Even a mild side- or rear-impact collision can cause an injury. Once one or more of these spinal structures are affected by a back injury, it can lead to a range of different symptoms which can end up affecting overall wellbeing and quality of life.

The Symptoms Of A Back Injury From A Car Accident

The symptoms of back injury from a car accident may vary, depending on the type of accident and injury. Some people may only experience mild pain, whilst others may experience the whole range of symptoms. Additionally, the onset of pain may occur immediately from the accident, however it may also develop gradually in the period of time after the accident.

In general, common symptoms of back pain from a car accident include:

A dull aching pain or tenderness
Sharp shooting pain, sometimes into the leg or foot
Stiffness, particularly first thing in the morning
Muscle spasms
Difficulty with moving or twisting motions
Pain with certain activities, such as sitting or carrying items
Fear of moving or avoidance of movement

As no two cases of back pain from a car accident are the same, a health professional should be involved in the assessment and diagnosis of your symptoms. As there are many explanations for the occurrence of low back pain, ranging from osteoarthritis to infection, it’s important to get the right diagnosis before starting any treatment.

5 Tips To Manage Your Back Injury From A Car Accident

Not every strategy for managing a back injury will be suitable for your situation. Therefore, it’s a good idea to seek support and advice from a physiotherapist who can point you in the right direction.

The following are five tips a physiotherapist may recommend for managing a back injury after a car accident may include:

**Note: If you have Neck pain from a car accident, be sure to check out the 8 BEST whiplash exercises

1. Education

The first step towards recovery after an accident is understanding more about the injury. Knowledge is power, and even just a basic understanding of the relevant muscles, bones, and nerve routes in the spine can help in the recovery after an accident.

A physiotherapist may recommend particular resources or articles to read, which can be applied to your movements or daily activities to promote healing and recovery after your accident.

2. Ergonomic Equipment

Recovery from an accident doesn’t usually happen in just one day. It can take days or weeks to recover after an accident, or sometimes even longer. Therefore, ergonomic equipment that supports the spine throughout the day can be useful throughout the recovery process. For example, using a lumbar support when you sit at your desk can be useful to maintain good posture, or incorporating a standing desk into your workplace can reduce time spent sitting.

In some cases after a car accident, a doctor or physiotherapist may recommend a spinal brace, such as a neck collar or lumbar support, to support the spine as well. These are usually for short-term use only, and should be fitted by a trained professional.

3. Over-The-Counter (OTC) Medication

A doctor may recommend OTC medications to manage the symptoms of a back injury after a car accident. Pain relief can be useful to alleviate symptoms throughout the day or during certain activities, such as when completing rehabilitation exercises. In cases of ongoing or more severe symptoms, a doctor may recommend prescription medications in the short-term, such as a corticosteroid injection.

4. Exercises

Rehabilitation exercises are an important part of recovering from a back injury. In the early stages, this may include gentle movements and stretches to alleviate the pain. However, as the symptoms improve, a physiotherapist may recommend strength and mobility exercises to recondition the affected structures in the spine. If you don't know where to start, a physiotherapist can recommend the right exercises for your stage of recovery.

5. Seek Help From An Experienced Physiotherapist

If you are unsure what to do after your accident, consult a health professional who knows what to look for in car accidents. An experienced physiotherapist trained in musculoskeletal injuries will know what to assess and how to manage your injury after a car accident. They can also recommend the most suitable and effective treatments to help you get better as fast as possible.

If left untreated, symptoms of a back injury from a car accident may progressively worsen over time. It’s best to get advice and input early to avoid the pain becoming chronic.

When To See A Doctor

It’s vital to seek medical attention after any car accident, particularly if the pain is severe, unrelenting, or there are any other unexplained symptoms. A doctor can refer to the relevant specialists as needed, such as an orthopedic doctor or neurological surgeon.

Even if any symptoms after a car accident are mild, it’s always important to be assessed by a doctor or physiotherapist. A trained health professional can rule out more serious causes of pain, such as fracture or nerve injury, and assess other parts of the body – a back injury may not be the only injury.

Additionally, the impact of a car accident isn’t just limited to the physical injuries. Speaking to a doctor about the psychological impact of a car accident can be helpful as well in the recovery process.

Next Steps

Managing your back pain from a car accident can be a frustrating experience, and can make you wonder if life will ever get back to normal. However, with the right help, exercises, and treatment approach from a trained health professional, you can return to doing the things you love.

We highly recommend seeking professionals who are well experienced in car accident care. In Toronto, car accident physiotherapy is always fully covered through insurance. At Yorkville Sports Med, we make sure your entire treatment is covered by insurance, as well as any products you may need.

To get a free car accident physio appointment, check out here for more info: https://www.yorkvillesportsmed.com/car-accident-physiotherapy

Always seek professional medical guidance before starting any new exercises or treatment programs.