Maybe your spine and your car were just never meant to get along. The statistics for auto accidents and spinal injuries are alarming. Back pain from car accidents or long car trips (perhaps even worse with the trend of Seattle traffic) is a common enough problem for car manufacturers to consider the spine in their newest car customizations and features. What is it about driving that’s so toxic to the spine?

How Auto Accidents Cause Back Pain

There are several back injuries that can result from an auto accident–some much more serious than others. Only a medical professional can diagnose a back injury from a car accident for sure, but knowing a bit about each can help you make steps to prevent auto-related back injuries in the future.

Spinal Fracture

Serious, potential emergency

Caused by: often the result of the upper body being thrown forward while the lower body remains in place–e.g. loose seat belt.

While complex, the spine is a fragile structure, and prone to damage during even seemingly minor accidents. People between the ages of 16-30 are at the highest risk of suffering an SCI, otherwise known as a “spinal cord injury.” The AANS estimates that auto accidents are the leading cause of the around 11,000 injuries each year in the U.S., followed by falls and gunshots.

Whiplash

Usually not serious, may require treatment

Caused by: many auto accidents that cause injuries cause whiplash. Soft tissues, muscles, and ligaments can all be strained during an accident

One problem with whiplash is that you may not feel symptoms for more than 24 hours after the initial accident. While whiplash is infamously associated with cervical collars, the current method of treatment is often no more complicated than pain relief medication, simple exercises, and massage. More serious cases may require ultrasound or injections.

Disc Herniation

Moderately serious, often requires treatment

Caused by: the nature of an auto accident can over-extend the spinal discs’ natural ability to absorb impact.

Like whiplash, symptoms can be delayed or nonexistent, but a disc herniation from an auto accident can range in severity. Leg or arm pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness are all sometimes present with a herniated disc. Not every herniation requires medical treatment, but the condition must be diagnosed and treated by a health professional, possibly with surgery, therapy, and/or medication.

Contact Spencer Chiropractic Center today for a consultation or tips on how to recover from injuries sustained during auto accidents.