Back and Neck Injuries After a Car Accident
Short answer: Back and neck injuries are among the most common crash injuries. They range from muscle strains to disc herniations and pinched nerves. Tingling, numbness, burning or weakness can mean a nerve is involved, so get examined promptly.
Freeway speeds on Fort Worth’s interstates mean more force in a crash, and back and neck pain is one of the most common results.
Common back and neck injuries from crashes
Your spine absorbs much of the force in a crash, from the neck down to the low back.
| Injury | What it can feel like |
|---|---|
| Neck strain / whiplash | Neck pain, stiffness, headaches, shoulder pain |
| Upper and mid back pain | Aching or tightness between the shoulder blades |
| Low back strain | Low back pain and stiffness, trouble bending or sitting |
| Disc herniation | Pain that can spread into an arm or leg, with tingling or numbness |
| Pinched nerve | Tingling, numbness, burning or weakness |
| Stenosis | Narrowing around the spinal cord or nerves that can cause pain, numbness or weakness |
| Sciatica | Pain running from the low back or buttock down the leg |
When numbness or tingling is a warning sign
Tingling, numbness, burning or weakness after a crash can mean a pinched nerve or disc injury. Don't wait for it to go away. Loss of bladder or bowel control, or numbness in the groin, is an emergency: call 911.
Why back pain can start later
Back and neck pain often builds over the first days as swelling and muscle guarding set in. Read why symptoms show up late and see the research on how long whiplash lasts.
Getting a back or neck injury documented
A provider experienced with accident injuries will examine you, record your symptoms and track your progress. That record helps your recovery and your injury claim. See getting treatment after a crash or go back to all injuries.
Want a lawyer to look at your case for free?
If you were hurt in a crash that wasn't your fault, in Fort Worth or anywhere else in Texas, you can ask for a free consultation. A participating personal injury law firm will reach out to you promptly. There's no cost to ask and no obligation.