Back and Neck Pain After a Crash in Arlington
Short answer: Your spine takes much of the force in any crash, from a Cooper Street fender bender to an I-20 pileup. Strains are most common, but discs and nerves can be hurt too. Pain that spreads into an arm or leg, numbness, or weakness should be checked soon.
Where does it hurt?
Neck
Usually a strain from the head whipping back and forth. Expect stiffness, pain turning your head and sometimes headaches. See whiplash.
Between the shoulder blades
A tight, aching upper or mid back is common after the seat belt catches you, especially in a sideswipe or T-bone.
Low back
Strains make it hard to bend, sit through a commute, or get out of bed. If the pain runs down the back of a leg, that's often called sciatica.
Arms or legs
Tingling, numbness, burning or weakness can mean a disc is pressing on a nerve (a herniation or pinched nerve) or that the space around the nerves has narrowed (stenosis).
Call 911 for these
Losing control of your bladder or bowels, or numbness in the groin or inner thighs, is a medical emergency. So is sudden weakness in both legs.
Why it can get worse after day one
Muscles around an injured spine tighten up to protect it, and swelling builds over a day or two. That's why many people in Arlington crashes feel worse on day two or three than at the scene. More on delayed symptoms.
Getting it on the record
Ask your provider to note where the pain is, how far you can move, and any nerve signs at the first visit, and to recheck at follow-ups. A clear record helps your care, and it's also what an insurer looks at when deciding whether your injury is real. Read getting treatment or go back to all injuries.
Hurt in an Arlington crash?
Send a short request and a participating injury law firm will contact you for a free review. Crashes anywhere in Texas are welcome.