When to See a Doctor for Back Pain After a Car Accident

Getting into an auto accident impacts your health and well-being. Generally, it causes injuries to your body and you may experience a variety of painful situations. A common injury associated with a car accident is back pain. In particular, you may experience lower back pain or develop pain in your shoulders from whiplash. Understanding the pain you experience and determining when to seek treatment from a chiropractor allows you to focus on recovery and healing.

Common Back Injuries in an Accident

During a car accident, you will experience different concerns with your health. In some cases, you may develop back pain or notice injuries to your back. The common injuries associated with back pain after an accident include:

• Strained or sprained muscles
• Nerve injuries, such as a pinched nerve
• Injuries to your spine
• Pain in your upper back from whiplash
• Bruises and cuts
• Bruised or injured bones
• Herniated discs

The extent of your pain stems from the type of injury you experience. In general, you will experience discomfort and pain in your lower back from an injury. You may also develop pain in your shoulders and upper back from whiplash, or the sudden forward and backward motion of the accident. The severity of your injuries usually depends on the speed of the vehicle at the time of the accident.

Reasons for Your Pain

The reasons for your pain depend on the injuries you experience. For example, a sprained muscle in your back results in pain and tension in the area of the injury. A pinched nerve, on the other hand, causes radiating pain along the nerve or may result in tingling and numb sensations.

Herniated discs usually result in pain and discomfort throughout the area. A bulging disc may require decompression therapy and spinal adjustments to improve the situation. Since the injuries may stem from fractures and cracked bones in your spine, you also want a professional to evaluate the possible complications of treatment. 

When to See a Chiropractor

The appropriate time to seek attention from a chiropractor depends on your injuries. Generally, you want to see a chiropractor shortly after the accident to diagnose the underlying cause of your pain and provide appropriate treatment solutions. The chiropractor at our Tracy, CA clinic uses diagnostic tools like an x-ray to evaluate the extent of your injuries and provide a treatment plan based on your situation. We also recommend seeking professional help when your pain persists and when you experience numbness or weakness.

Treating pain from an auto accident depends on your injuries and situation. At our clinic, we provide the diagnosis so you obtain appropriate treatment based on your injuries and the severity of your pain. To learn more about our pain management solutions or for an appointment with a chiropractor, contact Ringer Chiropractic in Tracy, CA today at (209) 835-2225.
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