Car crashes often leave victims with lingering pain, mobility issues, and long-term medical complications. Among the most frequently reported injuries, back injuries from car accidents can range from mild strains to severe spinal damage.
According to the Insurance Research Council, 58% of individuals involved in motor vehicle collisions report lower back pain (LBP), making it one of the most common post-crash symptoms.
If your back hurts after a car accident, understanding the type of injury you may have suffered can help you seek the right medical care and legal options.
Also, to learn more and schedule a complimentary consultation, please call (408) 848-2208 or contact us online.
1. Whiplash and Soft Tissue Strains
Whiplash is often associated with neck injuries, but the impact force can also strain the back muscles, ligaments, and tendons. This type of car accident back injury results from a sudden, forceful motion, which causes the spine to whip forward and backward.
Symptoms include stiffness, muscle spasms, and upper or lower back tenderness. While some cases resolve within weeks, others may lead to chronic back pain that lingers for months or even years. Physical therapy, pain management, and targeted rehabilitation can help improve function and reduce discomfort over time.
2. Herniated Discs and Disc Bulges
The spinal discs cushion the vertebrae, absorbing shock and supporting movement. A car accident can cause a disc to shift, bulge, or rupture, leading to nerve compression and radiating pain.
Symptoms of a herniated disc include:
- Sharp pain in the lower back or legs (sciatica);
- Tingling or numbness in the arms or legs; and
- Muscle weakness or loss of coordination.
These injuries frequently affect the lumbar spine, which bears the brunt of impact in rear-end and side-impact collisions. Left untreated, herniated discs can lead to chronic back pain after a car accident and may require steroid injections or surgery for relief.
3. Spinal Fractures
High-impact crashes can cause fractures in the vertebrae, leading to severe pain and potential spinal instability. According to research on thoracic and lumbar spine injuries in motor vehicle collisions, car crashes account for between 22.5% and 51% of all T and L spine injuries.
Common spinal fractures include:
- Compression fractures—when a vertebra collapses due to extreme force;
- Burst fractures—a severe injury where the vertebra shatters, sometimes damaging the spinal cord; and
- Flexion-distraction fractures—when the spine is forced forward with excessive pressure, common in head-on crashes.
Symptoms of a spinal fracture include intense pain, limited mobility, and, in severe cases, nerve damage leading to numbness or paralysis. Immediate medical intervention is necessary to prevent long-term complications.
4. Spondylolisthesis (Slipped Vertebra)
A car accident can cause a vertebra to shift out of place, leading to nerve compression and chronic auto accident back pain. This condition, known as spondylolisthesis, often results from stress fractures or direct impact on the spine.
Symptoms include:
- Persistent lower back pain after a car accident;
- Difficulty standing or walking for extended periods; and
- Weakness or numbness in the legs.
Treatment options vary depending on severity. While mild cases may respond to physical therapy, severe misalignment may require surgical correction.
5. Facet Joint Injuries
Facet joints connect each vertebra and allow the spine to move smoothly. The impact of a collision can cause inflammation or misalignment in these joints, resulting in chronic back pain after a car accident.
Common symptoms of facet joint injuries include:
- Localized pain in the lower or middle back;
- Stiffness, especially after long periods of inactivity; and
- Increased discomfort when twisting or bending backward.
Diagnostic imaging and facet joint injections can confirm the injury, while treatment often includes chiropractic care, targeted physical therapy, or minimally invasive procedures to relieve nerve pressure.
6. Nerve Compression and Sciatica
A back injury from a car accident can lead to nerve damage, especially in the lower back, where the sciatic nerve runs from the spine down the legs. When a disc or vertebra presses on this nerve, it can cause radiating pain, numbness, and weakness in the legs.
Common symptoms of sciatica include:
- Sharp, burning pain in the lower back, buttocks, and legs;
- Tingling or pins-and-needles sensations; and
- Difficulty sitting or standing for extended periods.
Treatment may involve physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and surgery to relieve nerve compression. If left untreated, sciatica can lead to permanent nerve damage and chronic pain.
7. Spinal Cord Damage
In the most severe cases, a back injury can result in damage to the spinal cord, leading to partial or complete paralysis. Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) are medical emergencies that require immediate intervention.
Symptoms depend on the severity and location of the injury but may include:
- Loss of movement or sensation;
- Inability to control bladder or bowel functions; and
- Extreme weakness or paralysis in the limbs.
Severe spinal cord injuries contribute to long-term disability, requiring extensive rehabilitation, assistive devices, and ongoing medical care.
Compensation for Car Accident Back Injuries
If you suffered back injuries from a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and noneconomic damages such as pain and suffering. California law allows victims to pursue damages with the following factors influencing compensation:
- The severity of the injury and required medical treatment;
- Impact on daily life, work, and mobility;
- Ongoing need for rehabilitation, surgery, or assistive devices; and
- Pain and suffering, including emotional distress.
California follows a pure comparative negligence system, meaning that even if you were partially at fault for the accident, you can still recover compensation. However, your settlement will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Are You Suffering from a Back Injury Caused by a Car Accident?
If you were in a car accident that left you with a back injury, the dedicated California personal injury lawyers at Gonzalez & Jones, APC, are here to help.
We’ve assembled a team of California car accident lawyers uniquely dedicated to ensuring our clients recover the compensation they need to heal from their injuries and move on with their lives.
We offer free consultations, during which we will answer your questions, outline the recovery process, and discuss how we can help advance your case toward a favorable resolution.
To learn more and schedule a free consultation today, contact Gonzalez & Jones, APC. You can call us at (408) 848-2208 or contact us online.