How Do Car Accidents Cause Neck and Lower Back Pain?

The forces unleashed in a car accident, even a low-speed collision, are immense. Even a seemingly harmless fender bender where you feel fine initially can quickly become an issue for the intricate structures of your neck and lower back. Learn more about the mechanics during a car crash that cause minor to severe injuries so you can keep yourself protected and seek the compensation you deserve. 

The vertebrae, discs, muscles, and ligaments offer the structural support that helps us hold our bodies up, but they’re also some of the most vulnerable during a car accident. Whether you feel immediate pain or suffer damage that takes time to manifest, it’s crucial to recognize and address the potential for long-term pain and disability and seek timely treatment. 

At The Morris Law Group, we’ve helped countless car accident victims in Hamilton and across Ontario navigate the physical, emotional, mental, and financial challenges of neck and lower back injuries. 

We’re helping you understand the biomechanics of these injuries and how to take the next best steps for appropriate medical treatment and securing the compensation you deserve.

The Vulnerable Spine: Why Does My Neck and Back Hurt After a Car Accident?

The spine is more than just a structural support, housing the spinal cord, nerves, and other precious structures that foster communications from brain to body. The neck, or cervical spine, and lower back, or lumbar spine, are particularly vulnerable to injury in car accidents due to their mobility and the forces involved in a collision.

Whiplash: The Most Common Neck Injury

Whiplash is a common personal injury we see after car accidents that is defined by the sudden, back-and-forth whipping motion of your head and neck after your car suddenly stops or impacts the ground, another vehicle, and more.  

It actually describes a range of neck injuries caused by hyperextension and hyperflexion. Our heads lag when our torsos are propelled forward, such as in a rear-end accident, snapping forward in an exaggerated bend. 

In your neck, you might experience:

• Torn, stretched, or strained neck muscles
• Overstretched or torn ligaments between bones in the neck
• Bulged or herniated discs in the neck
• Inflamed or damaged facet joints
• Pinched or irritated nerves

Symptoms of Neck Injuries After An Accident

• Neck pain and stiffness
• Headaches
• Shoulder pain and stiffness
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Numbness or tingling in arms or hands
• Difficulty concentrating
• Memory problems
• Irritability
• Sleep disturbances

Lower Back Pain Issues: What Causes Lower Back Pain After a Car Accident?

Beyond the neck, the lower back, or lumbar spine, is also commonly susceptible to injury during a car accident. The forces involved in a collision can strain muscles, sprain ligaments, damage discs, and even fracture lower-back vertebrae.

In a car accident, the lower back can be violently jolted, stretching, or tearing muscles and ligaments upon sudden impact.  Additionally, the force of the collision, especially in side impacts, can twist the torso or compress the vertebrae and discs, leading to significant pain and potential nerve damage.

Common Lower Back Injuries in an Accident

What causes lower back pain after a car accident?

• Strained, stretched, or torn muscles in the lower back
• Overstretched or torn ligaments connecting the lumbar vertebrae
• Bulged or herniated discs in the lumbar spine
• Fractured vertebrae in the lumbar spine
• Inflamed or damaged facet joints in the lower back
• Pinched or irritated nerves exiting the lower back 

Symptoms of Lower Back Injuries

What are the symptoms of whiplash in the lower back?

• Lower back pain, ranging from dull to aching, sharp, or stabbing
• Stiffness and limited range of motion
• Muscle spasms
• Pain that radiates down buttocks or legs 
• Numbness or tingling in legs or feet
• Weakness in legs or feet

Delayed Onset of Pain: The Risk of Delaying Medical Attention

In the aftermath of a car accident, the initial relief of walking away seemingly unharmed can be deceptive. Neck and lower back pain often lurk beneath the surface, masked by your body’s natural shock response and a big surge of adrenaline. Inflammation, a key contributor to pain, can take hours or even days to fully develop. 

This delayed onset is precisely why seeing a doctor immediately, even if you feel “fine,” is absolutely crucial.  A physician can identify hidden injuries, initiate timely treatment to prevent long-term complications and create a vital medical record that supports any future personal injury claim. You’ll never regret getting checked out if you’re fine, but catching issues quickly can mean an easier time securing proper care and compensation for a lower back pain car accident settlement later. If you have back pain from car accident years later, it becomes nearly impossible to prove the accident was the cause. 

Don’t let silent injuries compromise your health or your right to compensation.

Neck & Back Pain FAQs

How much compensation for a neck and back injury?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, as every case is unique. Compensation for neck and lower back injuries after a car accident may range from a few thousand dollars for minor sprains to hundreds of thousands, or even more, for severe injuries with long-term consequences like surgery or chronic pain. The final amount depends on factors like medical bills, lost wages, the severity of your pain and suffering, and the depth of impact on your life. It is best to consult a personal injury lawyer to discuss your case.

How long does back pain last after a car accident?

This is the million-dollar question, and unfortunately, there’s no simple answer.  Some people experience back pain that resolves within a few weeks with proper care. Others may face months or even years of discomfort, especially if they’ve suffered disc herniations or other serious injuries. It truly depends on the nature of the injury and how your body responds to treatment.

How do you prove back pain from a car accident?

Proving your back pain is directly linked to the accident is crucial for your claim. Medical records are your strongest evidence, especially those created shortly after the accident. Detailed documentation from your doctor, imaging tests (like MRIs), and consistent treatment records build a strong case. 

Testimony from medical experts can also help explain the nature and extent of your injuries to an insurance company or a court. In addition, your own testimony about your pain and limitations and supporting testimony from family or friends can play a part.

How A Lawyer Can Help

• Uncover the truth. Lawyers act as investigators, meticulously piecing together the details of your accident to build a strong case.
• Become your best medical advocate. By working with your medical team, lawyers can ensure your injuries are properly documented, creating a solid foundation for your claim.
• Speak the language of insurance. They’ll navigate the complex world of insurance, handling all communications and fiercely advocating for your best interests.
• Decode the legalese. Lawyers translate complex legal jargon into clear, understandable terms, empowering you to make informed decisions.
• Shoulder the burden. They take on the stressful negotiations with insurance adjusters, allowing you to focus on healing.
• Maximize your compensation. Lawyers fight to secure every dollar you deserve for your medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.
• Champion your rights in court. If a fair settlement isn’t offered, they’ll be your unwavering advocate in the courtroom, presenting a compelling case to the judge and jury.
• Connect you with resources. From medical specialists to financial advisors, they help you connect with the right resources.

The Morris Law Group—Personal Injury Lawyer Hamilton

How can a lawyer help you after a neck or lower back injury?

Suffering from neck or lower back pain after a car accident can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate the legal complexities alone. 

Our expert legal team at The Morris Law Group has successfully advocated for clients for 60+ years. We have the expertise and dedication to advocate for your best interests and help secure the justice you deserve after an unfortunate car accident. 

Request a free consultation or call us at 905-526-8080 to learn more and speak with a car accident lawyer.