11 Most Common Back Injuries Caused by Car Accidents

Back injuries are among the most common — and most devastating — outcomes of car accidents. In fact, car crashes account for more than a third of the 12,500 spinal cord injuries treated every year in the United States. The challenge is that these injuries aren’t always obvious right away. Hours or even days can pass before pain or neurological symptoms appear.

Left untreated, a back injury can impact every part of your life, from your physical abilities to your mental health. That’s why seeking medical care immediately and understanding the potential risks is essential. Here are 11 of the most common back injuries caused by car accidents — and what you need to know about them.

1. Compression Fracture

A compression fracture happens when the bones in your spine are crushed under extreme pressure during a collision. Symptoms include sharp pain that worsens when walking, bending, or twisting, and in severe cases, changes in bladder or bowel function and leg weakness. While some fractures affect only the front of the vertebra, more severe “burst fractures” crush the bone in all directions, raising the risk of paralysis.

2. Burst Fracture

Burst fractures occur when the vertebrae shatter due to a strong vertical force — often sending bone fragments into the spinal canal. This type of injury can bruise the spinal cord and destabilize the spine, leading to partial or total paralysis. Symptoms include severe pain (often described as “electric shocks” in the legs), loss of reflexes, and sometimes immediate inability to walk. Emergency medical treatment is critical.

3. Facet Joint Injuries

Facet joints sit between the bones of the spine and help you bend and twist. When damaged, they can cause localized tenderness, stiffness, muscle spasms, and radiating pain. These injuries often make even simple movements like sitting or standing uncomfortable. Left untreated, they can lead to chronic back pain.

4. Whiplash

Whiplash is one of the most well-known car accident injuries. It occurs when the neck whips violently back and forth, damaging muscles, ligaments, and the cervical spine. Symptoms include neck stiffness, headaches, limited range of motion, and tingling in the arms. Treatment may involve physical therapy, pain management, or chiropractic care to restore alignment.

5. Herniated Disc

A herniated disc happens when the cushioning discs between your vertebrae are displaced or ruptured. This can put pressure on surrounding nerves, causing numbness, tingling, or weakness in your arms and legs. Herniated discs are especially common in the lower back. Treatment may involve physical therapy, injections, or in severe cases, surgery.

6. Discogenic Pain

Discogenic pain is sharp, shooting back pain caused by damage to the spinal discs. It can lead to sciatica, where pain radiates into the buttocks, legs, or feet. Sitting, standing for long periods, or certain sleeping positions often make the pain worse. Because discs don’t regenerate, treatment focuses on managing pain and preventing further deterioration.

7. Strains and Sprains

Strains happen when the muscles or tendons in your back are overstretched or torn. Sprains involve damage to the ligaments. Symptoms can include difficulty standing straight, muscle spasms, and stiffness. Even though imaging tests don’t always detect these injuries, untreated strains and sprains can evolve into chronic pain or long-term weakness.

8. Degenerative Disorders

Car accidents don’t directly cause degenerative spine conditions, but they can accelerate existing problems. You may develop or worsen conditions such as bulging discs, sciatica, or degenerative disc disease. In some cases, an accident reveals a condition you didn’t know you had — which may still be compensable if the accident made it worse.

9. Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries are the most serious of all back injuries. They can result in partial or complete paralysis, loss of bladder and bowel control, and difficulty breathing. Immediate emergency treatment is essential to reduce swelling and stabilize the spine. Rehabilitation often lasts months or years and may involve learning new ways to move and live independently.

10. Spondylolisthesis

This condition happens when a vertebra slips out of place and rests on the bone below it, often compressing the spinal canal or nerves. Symptoms include back pain, muscle weakness, and difficulty walking. Depending on the severity, treatment can range from physical therapy to spinal surgery.

11. Lumbar Spine Injuries

The lumbar spine (lower back) absorbs much of the force during an accident. Injuries here can include fractures, swelling, and reduced mobility. Symptoms often involve persistent low back pain, bruising, and stiffness. Because the lumbar spine supports most body movement, injuries here can severely affect quality of life.

Why Back Injuries Require Immediate Attention

Back injuries are not always obvious right after an accident. Adrenaline can mask pain, and some injuries — like herniated discs or internal nerve damage — may only reveal themselves days later. That’s why prompt medical evaluation is critical. Documentation of your injuries not only protects your health but also strengthens any legal claim you may pursue.

At 388CEDA, our team provides immediate accident treatment, advanced imaging, orthopedic care, and connections to experienced attorneys who can help you pursue fair compensation for your injuries.

Conclusion

Back injuries from car accidents can range from strains to life-altering spinal cord damage. Recognizing symptoms early, seeking medical care, and pursuing legal guidance can make all the difference in your recovery. Don’t dismiss back pain or wait for it to “go away.” Get evaluated quickly and explore your legal options to ensure you receive the care — and the compensation — you need.