Treatment For Back Pain

Back pain is one of the most universally felt issues, experienced by almost every person on the planet at some point in their lives. Back pain can be the result of a high-impact collision, such as a car crash, or a result of simple wear and tear of the body as we get older. Regardless of the cause, no one wants to have to suffer from back pain for long.

Fortunately, treatment for back pain is available and one of the best forms of treatment is chiropractic care. At Manasota Accident and Injury Center in Bradenton, Florida, our trained chiropractors specialize in diagnosing and treating a wide range of back injuries. Find out how our team can help treat your pain and get you the relief you need.

Signs and Symptoms of Back Pain

Back pain can often be a sign or symptom of a more serious injury and should never be ignored, especially after a car accident. If you are suffering from back pain following a crash or other accident, make sure to schedule a consultation with a doctor as soon as possible. Getting a diagnosis and treatment quickly can help you achieve relief faster and prevent injuries from getting worse.

Signs and symptoms of back pain to look out for include:

• Pain in the upper, lower, or middle back
• Radiating pain that extends from the back down through the buttocks and legs
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the neck, arms, legs, or hands
• Stiffness
• Muscle spasms
• Difficulty walking or bending
• Trouble getting out of bed or standing up

Common Back Injuries Caused by Car Accidents

High-impact collisions, such as car accidents, can place a lot of force on the body which can lead to injury. In particular, the back is placed under extreme stress during a crash. Composed of a complex system of muscles, ligaments, tendons, nerves, and bones, the back plays a vital role in the movement of the body. Because of this, a back injury can seriously impact your quality of life and ability to perform daily tasks.

If you have suffered a back injury, even a minor one, you should speak with a doctor immediately. Left untreated, some back injuries can worsen or turn into long-term issues. While back injuries, in general, are extremely common, especially as we grow older, here are some common back injuries associated with car accidents.

Whiplash

As your torso is held in place by your seatbelt during a crash your head and neck can be jerked back and forth violently. This is known as whiplash and can strain, tear, or damage muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves in your neck and back, causing pain and discomfort.

Soft Tissue Damage

One of the most common injuries in collisions is soft tissue injuries. Your back is composed of lots of soft tissue (muscles, ligaments, and tendons) that can be torn and damaged during an accident. This can cause pain, stiffness, and muscle spasms in the back.

Spinal Cord Injuries

The back houses the spinal cord which is one of the most important and vulnerable structures in the body. Injuries to the spinal cord can be extremely dangerous and will require immediate medical attention. The spinal cord can become bruised or lacerated during an accident, potentially leading to nerve damage and even paralysis.

If you believe you have suffered an injury to your spinal cord during a crash, it is important that you try not to move until medical assistance arrives to help you. Any erroneous movement could worsen your injury and cause further damage.

Fractures

The high-impact trauma of an automobile collision can cause the vertebrae of the spine to fracture. Usually, this occurs as a compression fracture which causes small cracks or fissures in the vertebrae, weakening the structure of the spine. If left untreated or if a more severe fracture has taken place, it can cause damage to nerves of the spinal cord. Seeing a chiropractor quickly after an accident can help identify a fracture early before it becomes a more serious issue.

Herniated or Bulging Disc

A herniated or bulging disc occurs when an intervertebral disc slips or bulges between two vertebrae in the spine. When this happens, it can put pressure on nerves within the spinal column, causing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the back, neck, arms, hands, or legs. A herniated disc can be a serious injury, but it can be treated through chiropractic care.