In a population-based cohort study of 789 adults, 74.8% were followed up at 6 months and 64.5% at 12 months to track the development of troublesome low back pain.
The study found that individuals with a history of low back injury in a crash were 2.76 times more likely to develop persistent low back pain within a year.
Even after adjusting for factors such as arthritis, baseline pain, depression, and overall health, the risk remained elevated at 2.20 times
These results highlight that back injuries from auto accidents are not just temporary,they can set the stage for recurrent or chronic pain.
At The Disc Chiropractic, we take a precise, evidence-based approach to identify and treat the underlying spinal damage, helping patients prevent long-term problems before they become chronic.
Where Does Your Back Hurt After an Accident and Why?
Even if you didn’t suffer a visible injury, microtrauma from the impact causes structural damage. Let’s break down what we causes these pain and where after car crashes
Upper Back Pain After an Auto Accident
The upper back, or thoracic spine (T1–T12), is built for stability but during a collision, the seatbelt, shoulder harness, or airbag force can strain these joints and surrounding muscles.
Injuries often involve the trapezius, rhomboids, and levator scapulae and in some cases, costovertebral joint irritation (where ribs meet the spine) causes pain that radiates with deep breaths.
Lower Back Pain After a Car Crash
The lumbar spine (L1–L5) takes the brunt of most car accidents, especially rear-end or side-impact collisions. The force often compresses the lumbar discs, often resulting in either a herniated disc or a bulging disc.
How The Disc Chiropractic Treats Back Pain After an Auto Accident
Every spine is unique; your recovery plan should be too. Here’s how we help your back heal naturally and safely.
Chiropractic Adjustments
Gentle, specific adjustments realign the spine, reduce nerve irritation, and restore movement without twisting or unnecessary force.
Adjustments are focused, not generalized, correcting the exact vertebra causing dysfunction.
Spinal Decompression Therapy
Using the Triton DTS system, we gently stretch the spine to relieve pressure on herniated or bulging discs. This negative pressure draws disc material back into place, improves hydration, and eases nerve compression.
Shockwave Therapy
For chronic or scarred soft-tissue injuries, we use Intelect RPW 2 shockwave therapy to break down adhesions, stimulate healing, and improve blood circulation in deep spinal muscles.
Soft Tissue Therapy
The Rapid Release™ Pro 3+ helps relax tight fascia and muscle fibers that restrict movement. It complements adjustments perfectly, allowing your spine to move freely again.
Therapeutic Exercise
We design a corrective exercise plan post treatment to strengthen weak core and glute muscles, retrain postural control, and prevent future flare-ups so your pain relief actually lasts.
FAQs About Back Pain After a Car Accident
Why does my back still hurt weeks after my accident?
Soft-tissue inflammation and disc injuries can take days or weeks to fully appear. Untreated misalignment or nerve irritation may also cause delayed pain. Early chiropractic care helps prevent chronic pain patterns from setting in.
Can stress make my back pain worse after a crash?
Yes. Emotional stress triggers muscle tension, especially in the neck, shoulders, and lower back. Combined with physical injury, this can amplify pain signals and slow recovery.
When should I get checked after an accident?
Ideally right after the accident is best (after a day even if pain is mild). Early evaluation helps identify hidden injuries before they worsen or develop into chronic issues.
Can chiropractic adjustments fix a herniated disc?
In many cases, yes. Specific adjustments combined with decompression therapy can reduce pressure on the disc and nerve roots, improving pain and mobility without surgery.
Is it safe to get adjusted after a car accident?
Absolutely, when done by a qualified chiropractor. The Gonstead method ensures these by using deep analysis, we conduct a series of tests and X-rays before the actual adjustment.
Take the First Step Toward Real Back Pain Relief
If you’ve been in a car accident and your back still hurts, don’t ignore it. What feels like simple soreness could be a sign of disc injury or nerve irritation.
Your first visit is just $97 — includes a full consultation, spinal exam, and my detailed report of findings. We’ll take the time to find what’s really causing your pain and start your recovery plan.
Book an Appointment Now or Call: 720-573-4910 to get started.