Common Causes of Back and Neck Pain After a Car Accident

Struggling with Neck or Lower Back Pain After a Car Accident? You’re Not Alone.

If you’re dealing with lingering neck or back pain after a crash, the discomfort might be more than just soreness—it could be a sign of a serious injury. These types of injuries are incredibly common in car accidents and often require extensive medical care, physical therapy, or even surgery.

At Applebaum Accident Group, we understand how debilitating neck and back injuries can be. More importantly, we know what it takes to fight for the compensation you deserve to get your life back on track.


Common Causes of Neck and Back Pain After a Car Accident

Auto collisions often involve sudden, violent movements—especially in rear-end crashes. That sudden force can put tremendous strain on your spine, neck, and surrounding soft tissue. Some of the most common car accident injuries that lead to back or neck pain include:

  • Whiplash – A rapid back-and-forth motion of the neck, often causing lasting pain, stiffness, and limited mobility.

  • Herniated or Bulging Discs – When spinal discs are damaged or shift out of place, they can compress nearby nerves and cause intense pain.

  • Facet Joint Injuries – Damage to the small joints that connect your spinal bones can lead to chronic back pain.

  • Cervical Spine Trauma – The bones in your neck (C1–C8) are especially vulnerable to impact, and damage here can cause serious pain or even partial paralysis.

  • Thoracic and Lumbar Spine Injuries – Injuries to the middle (thoracic) or lower (lumbar) spine can also result in sharp, radiating pain that limits mobility and affects daily life.


What If My Pain Shows Up Days After the Crash?

It’s not uncommon for pain to worsen over time or for symptoms to appear days—or even weeks—after the accident. Whether it’s upper, mid, or lower back pain, you should never ignore it. Seek immediate medical care to get a proper diagnosis and prevent the injury from getting worse.


Lower Back Pain After a Crash: What’s Going On?

Lower back pain after an accident often points to disc-related damage or structural trauma in the lumbar spine. Some common causes include:

  • Lumbar Strains and Sprains – Overstretching of muscles and ligaments.

  • Spinal Stenosis – Narrowing of the spinal canal from trauma or bone fragments.

  • Degenerative Spinal Conditions – Accidents can trigger or worsen pre-existing spinal degeneration.

  • Disc Herniation – When discs bulge or rupture, they can compress nerves and radiate pain into the legs (commonly known as sciatica).

These injuries can make simple tasks—like standing, walking, or even sitting—unbearable.


Treatment Options for Neck and Back Injuries

Your road to recovery starts with an accurate diagnosis. Treatment plans vary depending on the severity of your injury, but commonly include:

  • Physical Therapy – Stretching, strength-building, and mobility exercises to reduce pain and increase range of motion.

  • Medication – Anti-inflammatories, pain relievers, muscle relaxants, or other prescription drugs.

  • Injections – Corticosteroid or nerve block injections may offer relief from pain without the need for surgery.

  • Spinal Surgery – In serious cases, procedures like spinal fusion or disc replacement may be necessary. These surgeries are expensive and should be included in your compensation demand.


Don’t Let Insurance Companies Downplay Your Pain

Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize claims—even when you’re clearly hurting. They might try to blame pre-existing conditions or downplay your injuries to save money. Unfortunately, many people accept lowball settlements before realizing the full extent of their injuries.

At Applebaum Accident Group, we fight back. We know how to challenge the tactics insurance companies use and present strong evidence that supports your claim.


What Compensation Can You Recover?

If you’re suffering neck or back pain from a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for:

  • Medical bills (past and future)

  • Physical therapy and rehabilitation

  • Lost income or reduced earning capacity

  • Pain and suffering

  • Emotional distress

  • Loss of enjoyment of life

  • Permanent disability or impairment


When Should You Hire a Personal Injury Attorney?

If you’re in pain after a car accident—especially back or neck pain—it’s critical to speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. Here’s why:

  • We handle the legal process while you focus on healing.

  • We negotiate directly with the insurance companies to get you full and fair compensation.

  • We make sure your future medical needs are considered—not just what you’re dealing with today.

Without legal representation, you’re vulnerable to being taken advantage of. Don’t risk it.


Let Applebaum Accident Group Help You

We’ve helped countless accident victims recover compensation for painful, life-altering neck and back injuries. Our legal team works closely with top medical professionals to prove the severity of your injuries and ensure you get the treatment—and justice—you deserve.

Your consultation is free, and you don’t pay unless we win.

Call us today (855)-Call-Paul or fill out our online form to schedule your case evaluation. Let us take it from here so you can focus on healing.

Julie Patron
Julie Patron
Articles: 17