Back pain is one of the most common complaints following a car accident. High-impact collisions exert a large amount of force on the human body, which can damage the bones, spinal discs, soft tissues, and nerves that make up your spine. You should never ignore back pain after a car crash. Even mild pain could be a sign of an injury that needs care and treatment.
Keep reading to learn the next four steps you should take after sustaining a back injury from an accident.
1. Visit an Ortho Urgent Care Clinic
Make plans to visit an ortho urgent care clinic as soon as possible if you begin having back pain and other symptoms after a car accident. Don’t dismiss your pain as normal or believe it will go away on its own after a few days. Instead, it’s better to be safe and undergo an examination by a doctor. Back pain could be an indicator of several common car crash injuries, including:
- Whiplash
- A pinched nerve
- A slipped or herniated disc
- Muscle strain
- Vertebral fracture
It’s very important that you seek treatment for any type of back pain that occurs after an accident. Even a minor injury could lead to long-term pain, loss of mobility, and future complications without proper care and treatment.
Additionally, keep in mind that not all injuries present immediately after a car crash. You may go several hours, days, weeks, or even months before an injury appears. You’ll need to monitor yourself closely after an accident and be prepared to see a doctor at the first sign of pain or injury.
2. Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
Under the Ohio statute of limitations, you have two years after a car accident occurs to file a personal injury claim for compensation. If you’re dealing with a back injury from an accident, hiring a Cincinnati personal injury attorney can help you navigate the ins and outs of complex claim cases.
An experienced attorney will file a claim or lawsuit on your behalf, collect and analyze evidence to win your case, and negotiate a fair settlement that provides you with the compensation you deserve to cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and on-going treatment needs. Your personal injury attorney will also argue your case in a trial, if it comes to that.
Personal injury cases can be long, stressful, and complicated, especially if you’re not familiar with the process. Having an attorney representing you will allow you to relax and focus on your healing and recovery, instead of the legal issues.
3. Document Everything
Keep records of everything related to your back injury, including:
- Doctor’s notes
- Therapy notes
- Number of doctor/therapy appointments
- Tests and imaging records
- Prescriptions
- Bills and receipts
Thorough documentation will help your attorney build a case to support your personal injury claim. Additionally, consider keeping a daily journal to keep track of the ways your back injury has impacted your day-to-day life.
4. Focus on Your Recovery
Some back injuries can take up to several weeks or months to heal. You can speed up the healing process and reduce the risk of complications or re-injury by dedicating yourself to following your physician-prescribed treatment plan. Common treatments for back pain include:
- Rest and activity modifications
- Medications
- Stretches and physical therapy
- Assistive devices like a brace
- Therapeutic injections
- Alternative therapies like chiropractic care and massages
- Psychotherapy for anxiety, depression, or PTSD following a car accident
Additionally, you can help your body heal and recuperate after a car accident by getting enough sleep, drinking plenty of water, eating a healthy, balanced diet, and listening to your body when it needs rest.
Remember to follow your doctor’s orders for returning to work, exercise, sports, and daily activities. Returning to activities too quickly can lead to re-injury or worsening of your existing injury.
Were You Injured in a Car Accident? Call BEST Health System Today.
If you’re in pain after a car accident, visit the ortho urgent care clinic at BEST Health System for same-day injury evaluation, diagnostics, and treatment. Our providers deliver the highest-quality orthopaedic and spine care to help you get back on your feet after an accident.
Please call us to speak with a dedicated Patient Experience Coordinator and schedule an appointment.
