You slam on the brakes and brace instinctively for impact. Afterwards, you can still walk. You can still think. But something in your back feels off. After an accident, what starts as a dull throb can evolve into something far worse.
Now, let’s examine what’s happening to your back and what you can do about it.
What Is a Car Accident Back Injury?
A back injury from a car accident isn’t just a sore spine. It’s often a complex disruption to your musculoskeletal and nervous systems. Your back consists of 33 vertebrae, a spinal cord, dozens of nerve roots, discs, ligaments, and muscles. One sudden jolt can shift this delicate network out of alignment, causing chronic pain, mobility issues, or even paralysis.
The most common areas affected are:
- The cervical spine (neck),
- The thoracic spine (mid-back), and
- The lumbar spine (lower back).
Most auto accident back injury claims stem from violent force, twisting impact, or seatbelt-related compression. Some symptoms emerge immediately. Others can take weeks to reveal themselves.
What Are the Common Types of Auto Accident Back Injury Claims?
There’s no such thing as a minor back injury. Even a small tear or shift in alignment can derail your life. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), back pain is one of the leading causes of disability, and vehicle collisions are a primary cause.
Here are the most frequent auto accident back injury diagnoses.
Whiplash and Soft Tissue Strain
Rear-end crashes often trigger whiplash. Tendons and ligaments in the upper back and neck stretch or tear due to rapid back-and-forth motion. It’s more than soreness; it can cause chronic headaches, limited range of motion, and nerve sensitivity.
Herniated or Bulging Discs
Spinal discs act as cushions between your vertebrae. A collision can rupture or displace these discs, causing intense radiating pain down the arms or legs, a condition called radiculopathy. Lower back injuries from a car accident often result in lumbar disc herniation, which may require surgery or long-term physical therapy.
Spinal Fractures
High-impact crashes may break or crack vertebrae. Compression fractures often affect the thoracic spine and may require immobilization, bracing, or surgical fusion. These fractures can destabilize your spine and worsen over time without proper treatment.
Spinal Cord Injuries (SCIs)
Damage to the spinal cord itself is catastrophic. It may result in partial or complete paralysis, nerve dysfunction, or permanent loss of bladder/bowel control. According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center (NSCISC), vehicle accidents are the leading cause of all SCIs in the U.S.
Facet Joint Injuries
These small joints along the spine help control motion. Trauma can inflame or dislocate them, causing localized, stabbing pain when bending or twisting. X-rays often miss these injuries, which require specialized diagnostic tests, such as medial branch blocks.
Spondylolisthesis
A vertebra slips out of place, often in the lower back, compressing nearby nerves. While some cases are congenital, trauma can initiate or accelerate this shift. Symptoms include stiffness, nerve pain, and instability when walking.
Compression of the Cauda Equina
Though rare, this condition is a surgical emergency. The cauda equina is a bundle of spinal nerves at the lower end of the spinal cord. If it becomes compressed, often by a herniated disc or spinal fracture, patients may experience bowel or bladder dysfunction, severe weakness, or saddle anesthesia (numbness in the groin area). Immediate surgery is typically required to prevent permanent damage.
What Should I Do After a Lower Back Injury from Car Accident Trauma?
Even a slow-speed collision can cause damage to the lower back. Lower back injury pain might not surface for days, but when it does, it can be intense and persistent. Here’s how to respond:
- Get immediate medical care—you’ll need documented imaging (MRI or CT scans) to establish the injury;
- Track symptoms—keep a daily log of your pain, limitations, medications, and doctor visits;
- Limit activity—avoid lifting, twisting, or overexertion, and get lots of rest;
- Avoid speaking with insurance adjusters alone—they’ll minimize your claim, so work with someone who knows how to protect you; and
- Consult an experienced injury attorney—a lawyer ensures you meet legal deadlines and pursue every available dollar for recovery.
Why Clients Trust Greenspan & Greenspan Injury Lawyers, P.C.
When you choose Greenspan & Greenspan, you’re not just hiring a law firm. You’re gaining a partner with over 30 years of experience, countless favorable verdicts, and a client-first mindset.
We offer:
- Free case reviews and 24/7 availability;
- A no-recovery, no-fee structure;
- Over $15 million in settlements recovered for clients;
- Full-service care, including help with property damage and reimbursement for accident-related expenses; and
- A team that’s been recognized as Super Lawyers and is known for treating every client like family.
We don’t just know New York personal injury law, we live it. From the Bronx to White Plains, our results speak for themselves.
Struggling with a Back Injury from a Car Accident?
You don’t have to suffer in silence or battle insurers on your own. If you’re dealing with a back injury from car accident trauma or any spinal complication, let Greenspan & Greenspan Injury Lawyers step in. We’ll handle the paperwork, fight the legal battle, and ensure you get the care and compensation you deserve. All with no upfront costs and no out-of-pocket fees unless we win. Call now for your free case review to get started. We’re here when you need us, always.
