How Long Will Back Pain Last after Being Rear-Ended?

You slowly get out of your car and go around to the back to inspect the damage to your car. Although the other driver slammed on the brakes, they weren’t able to stop before crashing into you. At first, you seem to be just fine, but the next day, you feel sharp pain and stiffness in your upper back and neck area. Should you see a doctor? The answer is easy and clear—yes! Your chiropractor in Dallas is a specialist in treating back and neck pain and making sure your spine is in proper, healthy alignment. How long will it take the back pain to go away? This question has a more complicated answer. Read on to learn what factors can affect the length of time it takes to heal.

Severity of the Accident

Although a back or neck injury can occur even at relatively low speeds, the force of the impact can influence how severe your injuries are. If the car that rear-ended you was traveling at a significant speed, count on your injuries taking longer to heal than a milder injury. When you meet with your chiropractor, describe the accident to them so that they can form a more accurate diagnosis and give you a better idea of your recovery time.

Type of Injury

Your chiropractor will likely need to take X-rays or other diagnostic images to see what’s going with your spine and vertebrae. Here are some of the injuries that you may face in this type of car crash.

Whiplash

In rear-end accidents, whiplash is a common injury. It occurs when the neck flexes backward beyond its typical range of motion and then snaps forward. Chiropractic care can reestablish healthy alignment and relieve your neck and back pain, especially as you visit on a regular basis. Unfortunately, the effects of whiplash can last six to eight weeks, and in some cases, the pain lasts for years following the accident.

Damaged Disc

A car accident can cause the discs that create the cushion between them to become damaged. As a result, nerves along the spinal cord can be pinched or irritated, causing serious back pain. With treatment, the discs can be repaired, and comfortable mobility can be restored. The timeline for this type of injury can vary, but your chiropractor may be able to estimate how long treatment will take.

Muscle Strain

In an effort to protect your body, your muscles tighten when under stress. Although this can be helpful in certain situations, this reaction puts tremendous strain on your muscles as they resist the strong force of the impact. In fact, these muscles can even tear in the process. As a result, your back and neck muscles require a few days at minimum up to weeks to recover.

Regardless of the circumstances behind your accident and injury, it’s a good idea to consult a chiropractor for treatment soon after the crash. That way, you can get a head start on recovery and potentially shorten the length of your pain and discomfort.

About AlignRight Injury & Rehab

Dr. Zinovy Chukhman, or Dr. Z, has focused much of his continuing education training on treating patients injured in accidents. He is certified by the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners and uses the latest adjustment techniques to serve his patients. If you have questions about recovery time following a car crash, Dr. Z can be reached at AlignRight Injury & Rehab by clicking here or calling (972) 907-2800.