Low back pain after a car crash: what is normal and what is not

After the neck, the lower back is what hurts most after a crash. The seat belt holds you in place, but the impact travels through the spine, and the muscles and ligaments of the lower back tighten suddenly to protect you. Here is what to expect, what helps and when not to wait.

Why it hurts

In most cases the pain comes from soft tissue. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons explains that the muscle and ligament fibers of the lower back can be overstretched or injured. The result is pain, stiffness and spasms that, as with the neck, sometimes get worse a day or two after the crash.

How long it takes to improve

According to MedlinePlus, from the U.S. National Library of Medicine, many people feel better within one week, and most improve or recover in about 4 to 6 weeks. If a few weeks go by and the pain is not getting better, go back to your doctor: back pain sometimes becomes chronic.

What helps in the meantime

• Move, do not stay in bed. Bed rest is no longer recommended. The advice is to cut back on activity for a day or two and then slowly return to your usual routine.
• Ice first, heat later. Ice for the first 48 to 72 hours, then heat.
• Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, following the package directions and your doctor’s advice.
• Gentle activity: walking, a stationary bike or swimming help you get your movement back.
• No heavy lifting or forceful twisting for the first few weeks. If you have to lift something, use your legs, not your back.

Signs to get care right away

MedlinePlus says to contact a doctor right away if you have:

• Back pain after a severe blow or fall, such as a crash.
• Loss of control over urine or stool.
• Weakness or numbness in your buttocks, thighs, legs or pelvis.
• Unexplained fever along with back pain.

Pain that runs down a leg with tingling or weakness also deserves a prompt check. And if loss of bladder or bowel control comes on suddenly, go to the emergency department.

Why it is worth a visit even if it is “just pain”

Back pain being common does not mean you should guess. A doctor can rule out a fracture or another injury, tell you which activity is safe and document from the start what the crash did to you. That documentation is what your insurer and, if you have one, your attorney will look at later.

How we handle it at the clinic

We assess you, document what we find and build a treatment plan with follow-up. In Utah, care for the accident is normally covered by the PIP on your own auto policy, and if you have an attorney we share your records with them directly. The visit happens in English or Spanish, whichever you prefer.

Sources

• MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine. Low back pain - acute.
• American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (OrthoInfo). Low Back Pain.

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This article is general information about our clinic and about low back pain. It is not medical or legal advice and does not replace a consultation with a professional. If you have a medical emergency, call 911.