Are You Suffering From Car Accident Back Pain?

Thursday, January 18, 2018 by The Law Offices of J. Jeffrey Herman

It is very common for victims of car accidents to suffer from lower back pain, even weeks after the accident occurred. The neck and lower back can suffer serious damage after a collision. It can be difficult for victims as these areas are essential to bodily function. Since the space to move in a car is very limited when an accident occurs, victims tend to suffer devastating injuries and their vehicles can be badly damaged.

Your spine is not ready to handle these accidents therefore neck and lower back injuries are inevitable. These types of injuries can be debilitating requiring long-term treatment and recovery. Some of the most common lower back injuries include facet joint injuries and disc injuries.

Discogenic pain

This is the pain a car accident victim will experience when the spinal discs are injured. This cushioning system helps with movement and firmness and the pain can be excruciating when it is damaged. The spinal discs tend to deteriorate over time due to the trauma caused by the accident. Most victims experience symptoms such as intense pain in the lower spine area and suffer several injuries such as disc herniation and spinal stenosis.

The best way to treat discogenic pain is by using anti-inflammatory medications. However, when that method does not provide relief, some patients may try other non-surgical options such as epidural corticosteroid injections. If this doesn’t work either, then patients may undergo surgery.

Facet injuries

Facet joints also play an important role in spine stabilization and movement. They help support the body’s weight and allow for easy movement. Facet joints work together with spinal discs to allow steady movement throughout the body. The basic function of facet joints is to keep the spine in place and avoid too much movement. They are the ones that prevent the body from bending backward. It can be very painful when this area is damaged since there are many nerves located there.

Victims of car accidents can suffer facet joint pain with symptoms such as muscle spasms. You can feel this pain from simply bending or picking up an item. These activities can freeze the joint and dislocate it. Symptoms can vary from patient to patient, but for the most part sudden painful attacks are very common.

How car accidents cause pain in the lower back and neck?

During a car accident, the speed and can have a heavy impact that your body is not prepared for. Some of these injuries can be treated through medication, physical therapy and other pain management methods.

How we can help?

We have many years of experience assisting  victims of car accidents in Santa Barbara.  It’s important you are informed and seek legal representation as these cases can be very complex. Call a  Santa Barbara spinal injury attorney today and we will handle the rest.