Our Strategies for Eliminating Back Pain After a Car Accident
It’s a nightmare that makes your heart skip a beat. Maybe the other driver didn’t see you as they rounded a corner or maybe they passed through a stop sign. You heard the sickening crunch as your body lurched.
Back pain after car accidents is common, frightening and unnerving. The aftermath of these incidents often carries long-term effects, and you may even have delayed back pain after a crash.
We have several effective strategies for alleviating or eliminating back pain after a car accident. It’s absolutely critical to get an accurate overview of the extent and scope of your injuries. That’s only possible through our dedicated team of board-certified orthopedic doctors in Raleigh. Even if you don’t feel any immediate pain after the accident, we still strongly encourage you to schedule an appointment—there may be ‘hidden’ injuries that need treatment.
We’ll give you a quick preview of some of the many ways we work to resolve your back pain after a car accident and what you can expect during treatment.
How We Help Eliminate Your Back Pain After a Car Accident
Not every injury needs surgical intervention. Our spine specialists believe in trying more conservative methods first. If they are not successful in alleviating your pain, then we can progress to other options.
An Accurate Evaluation Is Crucial
But before we begin, we’ll need an accurate diagnosis, and we will carefully evaluate every detail of your spine. This will help us identify even the smallest fractures. You might even need an orthopedic MRI. If you do, you’ll have access to our revolutionary open bore 3T MRI. Not only does it provide a quicker exam with more detailed images, but it’s extra large opening makes you more comfortable—even if you have anxiety related to claustrophobia.
Conservative Treatments Are Tried First
As we mentioned earlier, our first line of treatment involves anti-inflammatory medication, rest, hot/cold therapy and, in certain cases, muscle relaxants. Steroid injections can also be effective.
Surgery Is An Option If Other Methods Don’t Work
If you have a more severe injury, such as a large herniated disc or fractured vertebra, surgery may be needed. We utilize minimally invasive spinal surgery, meaning you’ll have smaller incisions, less pain and a quicker recovery.
How Long Can Back Pain Last After An Accident?
No one answer fits every situation. Your recovery depends upon the location of the injury, its severity, and your overall health before the accident.
Typically, you can recover from minor injuries within a few weeks. If you have a more severe injury–like a spinal fracture or herniated disc—your pain could last for months or years.
When Should You See a Doctor For Back Pain After a Car Accident?
First, remember to follow all the proper steps immediately after a car accident. Notify authorities and visit an emergency room if necessary.
If you have severe back pain after a car accident, you should receive treatment immediately in an emergency room. This is particularly vital if you’re experiencing weakness, tingling or difficulty walking.
Even if your back pain is mild, you should still schedule an appointment with us so we can provide effective treatment and help ensure your condition doesn’t get worse. Remember: You may be injured even if you don’t experience immediate discomfort. It’s common to have delayed back pain after a car accident.
Discover Why We’re Wake County’s Premier Orthopedic Practice
We’ve helped thousands of Triangle residents get their life back by alleviating their spinal pain. Our strategies, coupled with our in-house physical therapy and advanced surgical procedures, mean you can return to your normal routine as soon as it is safely possible.
If you’ve been in a car accident, remember that injuries may not be immediately evident. We encourage you to schedule an appointment with us as soon as possible so we can provide timely treatment that will transform your life. Contact us today.
The content within this article and others on this website is only for educational purposes and should not be considered medical advice. For any questions or concerns, please consult with your healthcare provider.
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Mayo Clinic, “Spinal Anatomy,” https://www.mayoclinic.org/spinal-anatomy/img-20008022
