Many people report issues with their backs after an accident. Any impact can strain and injure muscles, ligaments, and even the spine.
If you notice that something doesn’t feel right, you need medical help immediately. Without prompt medical treatment, you can end up suffering more serious injuries (like a slipped disk or compressed nerve) down the line.
At Bianca | Matkins, we understand the serious nature of any accident, especially those that cause back problems. Over the years, our clients have suffered and recovered from numerous types of injuries.
Let’s take a look at the symptoms of a back injury after an accident and why you need to get medical help for it.
Signs That Your Back Needs Medical Attention
According to the National Center for Health Statistics, the back is the most susceptible area for pain.
After an accident, especially those car, truck, or motorcycle collisions, you might feel some pain. Recent data has suggested that lower back pain is one of the most common injuries after a vehicle accident.
But sometimes, that pain does not show up immediately after an accident. It could be hours or days before you notice something is wrong in that area.
However, if you keep an eye on your pain levels and where you hurt, you could be able to determine if you have a back problem. When you have back pain, you will want to pay attention to other symptoms that may accompany it as well.
Radiating Pain
One of these symptoms is radiating pain. Usually, it originates in the back and travels down to the buttocks and legs. This type of pain could be caused by a herniated disk pressing against the spinal cord or nearby nerves.
You might even feel numbness, tingling, or weakness in the affected areas.
If you have any radiating pain, make sure to seek medical attention as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your back and nerves. Your doctor may perform various diagnostic tests, such as an MRI or CT scan, to determine the underlying cause of your back pain and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Limited Mobility or Stiffness
Stiffness and limited mobility are common symptoms of a back injury. If you have difficulty standing, walking, or bending, you will want a medical professional to examine your back. Muscle strains and sprains can cause these conditions. The muscle fibers or ligaments are sometimes stretched or torn in an accident.
However, serious injuries, such as fractures or dislocations, can also lead to these symptoms. Remember, ignoring stiffness and limited mobility can lead to further complications down the road.
So, if you are experiencing these symptoms, don’t hesitate to reach out to a medical professional for help.
Numbness or Tingling in the Arms or Legs
If you are experiencing numbness or tingling in your arms, hands, legs, or feet, it may be a sign of nerve compression in the back. One of the most common causes is a herniated disk. That happens when the soft tissue inside the spinal column pushes out through a tear or rupture in the outer layer of the disk.
Unfortunately, these issues are quite common after you have suffered an accident. Sometimes, the sheer impact can lead to these serious problems.
Muscle Spasms
Muscle contractions can be painful and often limit movement. They can cause discomfort and interfere with daily activities. The causes of muscle spasms can vary, but they are frequently triggered by overuse or injury to the muscles in the back.
Regarding accidents, muscle strain can be a contributor to spasms. While rest and applying heat can help, you’ll often want a full examination completed by a medical professional to rule out any serious problems, like a herniated disc.
If you have any concerns about the possibility of a back injury, always schedule an examination with a medical provider. The rush of adrenaline or just the shock of an accident can often cause these symptoms.
Early treatment can help put you on a quicker road to recovery, whether you have been injured in a Baton Rouge car accident, workplace incident, or from a slip and fall. Once you are experiencing pain, you might already have a serious injury to your back.
Treatment and Outlook
Back pain affects millions of people every year. Fortunately, most cases of back pain can be treated with rest, physical therapy, and medication. With the proper care, most people experience relief from their back pain within a few weeks.
However, there are cases where back pain may persist for months or even years, requiring ongoing care and management. In these cases, your healthcare provider may recommend chiropractic care, acupuncture, or surgery.
If you have been injured due to someone’s reckless or careless actions, always document your medical journey and follow all treatment plans. Ignoring your doctor’s recommendations may make it difficult for you to pursue any legal claim in the future.
Don’t Ignore Any Back Injuries
Back injuries can be one of the most frustrating injuries from an accident. When your back is hurt, it limits your movement and ability to take on those daily activities.
Remember, your well-being matters. If you’ve been in an accident and experienced any of these symptoms, always get medical help.
Don’t ignore any of these symptoms. The longer you delay, the harder it can be to recover from these injuries.
