What to Do If You Have Back Pain After an Accident

If you’ve developed new back pain after an accident in Silverdale or the surrounding Kitsap County area, here’s what you should know.

A collision forces the body to move suddenly and unexpectedly, often in directions it isn’t used to. Depending on the direction and force of the impact, the muscles, joints and other tissues of the back can take the brunt of it, even in a “minor” fender bender.

Back pain after an accident tends to show up in one of three places. There’s the upper back, between the neck and lower rib cage. The middle back, around the thoracic spine. And the lower back, around the lumbar spine, which is the most common of the three.

You might notice soreness, stiffness or reduced range of motion. Pain that changes depending on how you’re sitting or moving is common too. Some people also feel symptoms extending into the hip or leg, which is worth mentioning to your provider right away.

What Should You Do If Your Back Hurts After an Accident?

Pay attention to your symptoms. Note when your pain started, exactly where it hurts, and whether certain activities or movements make it better or worse. This kind of detail matters more than people expect once you’re sitting across from a doctor trying to piece the timeline together.

Have persistent or worsening symptoms evaluated. If your back pain isn’t improving, or it’s starting to interfere with your normal routine, a healthcare professional can help figure out what’s actually going on.

Tell your provider about the accident. Even if your symptoms didn’t show up until several days later, let your provider know when the collision happened and when you first noticed the pain. That timeline helps more than you’d think.

Follow up if new symptoms develop. Numbness, tingling, weakness or pain that travels into your hip or leg should never be brushed off. Bring it up with a healthcare professional.

Why Didn’t I Feel Pain Right Away?

It’s entirely possible to feel relatively normal immediately after an accident and then notice pain creeping in over the following day or two. Your body’s stress response kicks in fast after a collision, and it can temporarily make it harder to register soreness or stiffness that’s already starting to build.

That doesn’t necessarily mean every symptom that shows up later was caused by the accident. But the timing is genuinely useful information, so don’t leave it out when you’re describing what happened.

“It’s completely normal to feel fine right after an accident and then wake up sore two days later. That’s exactly why we ask so many questions about timing during an evaluation. It helps us connect the dots,” says Dr. Drew Clark.

What If I’m Filing an Insurance Claim?

If you’re working with an insurance company or attorney following an accident, let our office know when you schedule your appointment. Clark Chiropractic has plenty of experience helping patients navigate the documentation and insurance process after auto accidents, and we’re happy to communicate with your attorney when it makes sense to do so.

Every accident and every insurance situation looks a little different. If you have questions specific to your circumstances, our team can walk through them with you.

When Should You Seek Medical Attention?

Severe or rapidly worsening pain, significant weakness, loss of coordination, loss of bladder or bowel control, difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness or other serious symptoms require prompt medical attention. Don’t wait on these.

For less urgent back pain or stiffness, a healthcare professional can help determine what type of evaluation actually makes sense for you.