Injuries From Car Accidents
Car accidents are a common cause of back injury. The sudden jolt from the collision forces the body to accept a lot of energy in a very short period of time, which can injure the spine or neck.
If you are in a car crash and you have neck or back pain, don’t move—wait for the ambulance. If you experience severe pain, numbness in your arms or legs, or loss of bowel or bladder function, tell the emergency responders; these could be signs of a serious injury and must be checked by a doctor.
Although collisions may cause fractures (breaks in the bone), it is much more common for them to cause damage to soft tissues—muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Sometimes it can be difficult for doctors to determine the exact nature of a soft tissue injury, because soft tissue damage doesn’t show up well on imaging tests, so x-rays and other tests may appear normal even when damage has been done.
Car accidents can cause several different kinds of injuries, including:
- Spinal cord injury: When the spinal cord is injured, the messages that the brain sends to the rest of the body are interrupted. This can result in the loss of motion or feeling or even permanent paralysis.
- Slipped disc: Also known as a herniated disc, ruptured disc, or a pinched nerve, a slipped disc occurs when the pads of cartilage that separate the bones in the spine slip out of their proper position and press against a nerve. This causes pain in the lower back, neck, arms, and legs. Treatment depends on the severity of the injury. In many cases modified activity, nonprescription pain relievers or muscle relaxants, and the application of cold and hot compresses are enough to relieve the discomfort.
- Compression fractures: The forceful impact of a car accident can cause the vertebrae to push together and compress the spine.
- Whiplash: This is the most common injury that results from car accidents, and it can happen even when travelling at low speeds. When the car slows abruptly, the body is thrown in many different directions. The neck can snap forward and back and become overextended. This injury can result in chronic neck pain and headaches, and may eventually lead to arthritis. In whiplash injuries, the pain often starts eight to twelve hours after the accident.
Treating Injuries
Very serious injuries to the spine may need surgery and a long rehabilitation period. Thankfully, most back injuries from collisions are less severe. Once you have recovered from the initial trauma of the car accident, treatment often involves active physical therapy, including stretching, strengthening, and aerobic conditioning. Massage can often be very useful as well. It may also help to switch to a firmer mattress and a cervical pillow.
One of the best ways to heal back injuries is to strengthen your core (abdominal and back) muscles. Your core muscles work together to act as a natural corset supporting your back. Low-impact aerobic activities—exercises that don’t strain or jolt your back—can also help increase strength and endurance in your back muscles. Walking and swimming are good choices. Stretching exercises, especially those that improve the flexibility in your hips and upper legs, can help align your pelvic bones and minimize discomfort. Ask your doctor about the activities that would best suit your rehabilitation.
Also, nonprescription medications, such as NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), may help relieve pain. If the pain is severe, your doctor may prescribe stronger pain medications for a short period.
Prevention
In all back injuries, the best treatment is to prevent the injury in the first place. Be sure your headrests are adjusted to the proper height and that they fit closely to the back of your head. While waiting at intersections, keep your foot firmly on the brake. If another vehicle hits you from behind, this will help keep your car from bolting forward and minimize the effects of whiplash. Also, keep your eyes facing forward. When your head is turned to either side, you increase the risk of neck injury if someone hits you from behind.
Exercise regularly and keep fit. The stronger your body is, the faster you will bounce back from any back injuries.
