Back Pain After a Car Accident in Chicago

A driver on Lake Shore Drive or the Dan Ryan Expressway is rear-ended and assumes their pain will go away. However, even mild back pain after a car accident can indicate serious injuries such as herniated discs or nerve damage to the spinal cord.

Unfortunately, even a minor car accident can leave a driver facing a long road to recovery if their injuries worsen over time. What starts as mild discomfort can develop into chronic pain, limited mobility, or the need for ongoing medical treatment. Without proper care, back injuries can interfere with daily life and work, leading to significant financial and emotional stress.

In Chicago, if another driver’s negligence caused your injury, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. A skilled Chicago car accident lawyer can help you understand your legal options and fight for the compensation you deserve.

What Causes Back Pain After a Car Accident?

Back pain after a car accident can come from various common injuries, ranging from mild muscle strain to severe spinal cord injuries. 

The sudden force of impact in a crash can jolt the body, leading to stress on the muscles, ligaments, and spine. Common causes include muscle sprains, spinal misalignment, herniated discs, fractures, and permanent nerve damage. 

Even if the pain seems minor at first, it can worsen over time without proper medical care. Inflammation and swelling in the spine can also contribute to ongoing discomfort, making early diagnosis and treatment crucial. Seeking immediate medical attention after an accident helps identify the severity of your injury and prevents long-term complications.

The Three Different Regions of the Back

Back pain can vary depending on which part of the spine is affected. 

The spine is divided into three sections: the upper (thoracic spine), middle, and lower (lumbar spine) regions. Back injuries in each of these areas can cause different types of pain and mobility issues.

Upper Back Pain After a Car Accident

Upper back or neck injuries are often caused by damage to the thoracic spine, cervical spine, ligaments, or nerves. While this region of the spine is more rigid than the lower back, injuries can still occur, especially in high-impact crashes.

Common causes of upper back injuries include:

• Whiplash and neck pain from sudden head movement after a rear-end collision
• Fractures in the thoracic vertebrae
• Muscle sprains and soft tissue injuries

Symptoms may include:

• Stiffness and limited mobility
• Chronic discomfort that radiates to the shoulders or arms
• Persistent pain that worsens with movement
• Muscle spasms 

If left untreated, upper back injuries can lead to long-term pain and difficulty performing everyday activities. Seeking medical evaluation early can help prevent complications.

Middle Back Pain After a Car Accident

Middle back injuries are less common but can be serious. The thoracic vertebrae provide stability, but trauma from a car accident can damage the spinal cord and herniated spinal discs or cause vertebral fractures.

Potential causes of middle back pain include:

• Herniated discs that compress spinal nerves
• Fractured vertebrae from the force of impact
• Spinal cord injuries affecting nerve function

Symptoms may include:

• Radiating pain, numbness, or tingling sensations
• Difficulty moving or standing for long periods
• Sharp pain that worsens with activity

Because the middle back plays a crucial role in spinal stability, back injuries in this area often require specialized medical care and long-term treatment. Seeking prompt medical attention can help rule out serious conditions that could worsen over time.

Lower Back Pain After a Car Accident

Lower back injuries are the most frequently reported complaint after a car accident. The lumbar vertebrae support most of the body’s weight, making them highly susceptible to injury.

Common causes of lower back pain include:

• Lumbar sprains and muscle strain
• Pinched nerves causing radiating pain
• Herniated discs or degenerative disc disease

Symptoms may include:

• Sharp or stabbing pain in the lower back
• Limited mobility or stiffness
• Discomfort when standing, walking, or bending

A medical evaluation is essential to determine the severity of the injury in your lumbar region and whether treatments like physiotherapy, pain management, or surgery may be necessary for recovery.

Common Back Injuries from Car Accidents

Even low-speed collisions can cause serious spinal injuries, so seeking medical attention or attending the emergency room following a crash is crucial. 

If you’ve suffered car accident injuries in Chicago due to another driver’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Herniated Discs

A herniated disc occurs when the soft inner material of a spinal disc pushes through its outer layer, often due to the force of a car crash. This can put pressure on surrounding nerves, leading to pain, numbness, or weakness in the back and limbs. In severe motor vehicle accidents, herniated discs may require rehabilitation, pain management, or even surgery.

Although insurance companies often dispute a herniated disc injury, a qualified personal injury lawyer can assess your case and provide guidance based on similar herniated disc injuries and settlements to help determine the compensation you may be entitled to.

Spinal Fractures

A spinal fracture occurs when the vertebrae break due to the impact of an auto accident. These fractures can be mild, like hairline cracks, or severe enough to cause spinal instability. Symptoms may include severe pain, limited mobility, and potential nerve damage. Spinal fractures often require extensive treatment, including bracing, medication, or surgery.

Lumbar Spine and Thoracic Vertebrae Fractures

Fractures in the lumbar spine (lower back) and thoracic (middle back) vertebrae can result in long-term mobility issues and chronic pain, ranging from a persistent mild ache to intense pain. 

These serious injuries may make walking, standing, or even sitting for extended periods difficult. Recovery may involve immobilization, medication to reduce pain, and rehabilitation to restore movement and prevent further complications.

Back Sprains and Strains

Sprains and strains are common soft tissue injuries that occur when muscles, tendons, or ligaments in the back are stretched or torn. 

While they may seem minor compared to spinal fractures, they can still cause significant pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Non-surgical treatment options, such as rest, physiotherapy, and anti-inflammatory medications, are often recommended for recovery.

Spondylolisthesis

Spondylolisthesis occurs when one vertebra slips out of alignment and presses on nearby spinal nerves. This misalignment can cause pain, numbness, or weakness in the legs. If left untreated, it may lead to pain and difficulty with movement. 

Treatments can range from physiotherapy and bracing to medication such as pain relief and muscle relaxants to surgical intervention in severe cases.

Facet Joint Injuries

The facet joints in the spine help control movement and flexibility. When these joints are damaged in a road traffic accident, they can lead to persistent pain, stiffness, and difficulty bending or twisting. Over time, facet joint injuries may also contribute to conditions like arthritis. Treatment options include working with a physical therapist, injections, and pain medication.

Degenerative Spinal Disorders

While degenerative spinal disorders typically develop over time, a car accident can accelerate conditions like osteoarthritis, spinal stenosis, or degenerative disc disease. Trauma, like that incurred during a car crash, can worsen pre-existing back issues, leading to increased pain and reduced mobility. 

If an auto accident worsens a degenerative condition, the victim may still be entitled to compensation for their more severe pain and medical expenses.

Spinal Cord Injuries

A spinal cord injury (SCI) is one of the most serious consequences of a car accident, as damage to the spinal cord can lead to partial or complete loss of movement and sensation. These injuries occur when the spinal cord is compressed, severed, or bruised due to a forceful impact, such as a high-speed collision or a rollover accident.

Spinal cord injuries can be categorized as complete or incomplete. A complete injury results in total loss of function below the injury site, while an incomplete injury allows for some movement or sensation. 

The severity often depends on where the spinal cord damage occurs—injuries to the cervical spine (neck region) can affect the arms and legs (quadriplegia). In contrast, injuries lower in the thoracic or lumbar spine may cause paralysis of the lower body (paraplegia).

Because spinal cord injuries can lead to permanent disability, treatment is often extensive and includes emergency care, surgery, physical therapy, and lifelong medical support. If a spinal cord injury occurs due to another driver’s negligence, victims may be entitled to significant compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term care.

If you’re experiencing even mild back pain after a car accident, don’t ignore it. A skilled attorney can help you explore your options and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Symptoms of Back Pain That Require Medical Attention

Certain symptoms may indicate a serious injury that needs immediate medical care:

• Muscle spasms – Sudden, painful contractions that limit movement;
• Burning pain – May radiate down the back, buttocks, and legs;
• Sharp pain – Sudden, stabbing discomfort when moving or sitting;
• Discomfort when walking or standing – Throbbing or aching that interferes with daily activities;
• Tingling or numbness – Possible sign of nerve compression.

If you experience any of these symptoms, seek professional treatment right away. Evidence of your initial treatment and extensive medical care can support your injury claim.

What to Do If You Have Back Pain After a Car Accident in Chicago

If you have experienced back injuries in a car accident, taking the right steps can protect your health and legal rights.

Who to See for Back Pain After a Car Accident

Your primary doctor may refer you to specialists who can diagnose and treat your injury, such as:

• Orthopedic surgeon – Evaluates fractures and spinal structural damage;
• Neurologist – Assesses nerve-related pain, tingling, and numbness;
• Physiatrist – Specializes in rehabilitation and musculoskeletal disorders;
• Pain management specialist – Provides treatments like injections or nerve blocks to alleviate pain.

Follow Your Treatment Plan

Treatment may involve physical therapy, medication management, injections, or, in more severe injuries, spinal surgery. Simple remedies like moist heat, heating pads, and anti-inflammatory drugs can aid recovery and reduce inflammation. Sticking to your prescribed treatment plan can prevent complications and support your injury claim.

What Happens If Back Pain Goes Untreated?

Failing to seek appropriate medical care can lead to long-term complications, including:

• Nerve injuries and radiculopathy – Pain that radiates down the legs;
• Spinal stenosis – Difficulty walking or standing due to nerve compression;
• Degenerative disc disease – Increased stiffness and reduced mobility over time;
• Chronic back pain – Ongoing discomfort that affects daily life and work.

Document Your Back Injuries and Medical Treatments

Keeping records of emergency room visits, doctor appointments, prescriptions, and physical therapy sessions is crucial. Proper documentation not only helps track your recovery but also strengthens your legal claim if you pursue compensation.

Consult a Chicago Car Accident Lawyer

Insurance companies often try to downplay back injuries, making it difficult to get the full compensation you deserve. 

A skilled attorney can advocate on your behalf and handle negotiations with insurers. If you’re struggling to get fair coverage for your medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering, a Chicago car accident lawyer can help protect your rights.

How Long Can Back Pain Last After a Car Accident?

The duration of pain after a car accident depends on the severity of the injury:

• Mild pain – Typically resolves within a few weeks;
• Herniated spinal discs – May take 2 to 6 weeks to heal, with severe cases requiring months of rehabilitation;
• Severe back pain or chronic pain – Lasts longer than three months and may require ongoing treatment or long-term care;

Seeking early medical attention can help speed up recovery and prevent long-term complications.

Can You Sue for Back Pain After a Car Accident in Chicago?

If another driver’s negligence caused your back injuries, you may be eligible for compensation. Pain from a car accident can lead to costly medical care, time away from work, and ongoing discomfort. 

A personal injury lawsuit can help you recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. An experienced attorney can assess your case, gather evidence, and prove your pain meets Illinois’ legal standard for a personal injury claim.

When to Contact a Chicago Car Accident Lawyer

If you’ve suffered back pain following a car accident in Chicago, it’s crucial to act promptly to protect your legal rights. Under 735 ILCS 5/13-202, in Illinois, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is generally two years from the date of the accident. This means you have a two-year window to file a lawsuit seeking compensation for your back injuries.

However, certain exceptions can alter this timeframe:

• Discovery Rule: If your injury wasn’t immediately apparent, the statute of limitations may begin when you discover, or reasonably should have discovered, the injury. ​
  
• Minors: If the injured person is under 18, the statute of limitations typically doesn’t start until they reach the age of majority.
  
• Legal Disability: For individuals under a legal disability at the time the cause of action accrued, the statute of limitations may be tolled until the disability is removed. ​
  

Given these nuances, it’s essential to consult with a knowledgeable Chicago car accident lawyer as soon as possible. They can assess your case, ensure compliance with all legal deadlines, and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

Secure Expert Legal Counsel!

Back pain after a car accident can signal serious, long-term back injuries that may require ongoing treatment. Delaying medical care or legal action can make recovery more difficult and weaken your ability to secure compensation. If you’ve been injured due to another driver’s negligence, taking swift action is essential to protect both your health and your financial future.

A Chicago personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the claims process, negotiate with insurance companies, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation by phoning (888) 424-5757 or by completing our contact form.

Don’t wait—get the legal help you need to secure your future.

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.