.jpg)
The only thing worse than getting rear-ended while stopped at a red light or stop sign is getting an injury from it. The force from a rear-ending can cause many types of injuries in your body, especially in your lower back.
Lower back injuries from being rear-ended
If you have lower back pain after being rear-ended, it’s likely related to one of the following injuries:
- Strains — A strain is the stretching or tearing of your tendons and muscles. This can happen in your lower back when the impact of an automobile accident causes you to jerk around in your seat. This kind of trauma in combination with you tensing up to brace for impact can cause strains to develop.
- Sprains — A sprain is similar in nature to a strain but it affects your ligaments instead of the tendons or muscles. The ligaments are soft tissue that connects your bones together in your joints. Sprains are painful and can significantly limit your range of motion.
- Herniated discs — Enough force delivered to the spine in an accident can cause the discs between your vertebrae to burst, which is known as a herniated disc. The discs are supposed to protect your vertebrae from friction and shock. When their fluid bursts out, it puts pressure on the nerves in your spine. This is painful and also leaves your vertebrae vulnerable to friction and shock that can cause further harm without treatment.
- Sciatica — Strains and tension in the lower back can put pressure on the sciatic nerve, which is the longest nerve strand in your body. It runs from your lower back into each of your legs. Pressure on the sciatic nerve, known as sciatica, causes pain in the lower back that stems into one of your legs. Sciatica usually includes some tingling and numbness as well.
- Fractures — A direct impact in the accident or enough force to the back from shock can cause the vertebrae to fracture in your spine. Spinal fractures are very serious and can lead to permanent disability if not treated right away.
- Spinal stenosis — Spinal stenosis is the narrowing of your spinal cord, which puts pressure on the nerves in your spine. Injuries like herniated discs and fractures can spur the development of spinal stenosis, which can cause long-lasting pain in your back.
Visit the iRISE Spine and Joint Institute for lower back pain treatment
Do you have pain and stiffness in your lower back after an automobile accident? Our orthopedic specialists at the Florida Spine and Joint Institute can diagnose your injury and provide the appropriate treatment. Contact our team today for more information about lower back pain treatment or to schedule an initial appointment.
