Published: December 30, 2020 • Updated/Reviewed: March 17, 2026
Motor vehicle accidents—from everyday car crashes to commercial truck collisions—are a common cause of serious back injuries. These injuries often require extensive medical care, long-term rehabilitation, and can significantly impact your quality of life.
Your back is a complex structure of bones, muscles, joints, tendons, ligaments, and nerves, with the spinal cord running down its length— all of which work together to support your body. The force of a collision, even at low speeds, can cause any number of serious, sometimes life-altering injuries.
If you’ve been involved in any motor vehicle accident, seeking prompt medical attention is essential. After that, speaking with an experienced personal injury attorney can help protect your rights.
After any motor vehicle accident, the best course of action is to get checked out by a doctor or go to the emergency room. Some symptoms, such as for whiplash, may not show for hours or possibly days.
Contact us today for a free case review.
Understanding the types of back injuries that can occur after a crash can help you recognize symptoms early and seek appropriate care.
Back Strains and Sprains
Herniated Discs
Discs act as cushions between the vertebrae and protect the spine. A herniated disc occurs when a disc is displaced. The force of a motor vehicle accident, for instance, can cause the discs to shift, crack, or rupture.
These injuries may compress nerves, causing severe pain, numbness, or weakness. In serious cases, surgery may be necessary.
Pinched (Compressed) Nerves
When surrounding tissues—bones, cartilage, muscles, or tendons—apply pressure to a nerve, it can disrupt normal function. Symptoms include: tingling, numbness, radiating pain, or muscle weakness.
One of the most common injuries in rear-end collisions, whiplash affects the neck’s muscles, ligaments, and soft tissues. Symptoms may include: stiffness, headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, and reduced range of motion.
Spinal Fracture
Also known as a vertebral fracture or broken back, a spinal fracture is a fracture affecting the vertebrae of the spinal column. It can result in mild to severe pain that worsens with movement.
Damage to the spinal cord or surrounding structures can result in:
These injuries are among the most serious consequences of motor vehicle accidents.
Have questions? Contact us at (877) 284-6600.
After any motor vehicle accident, the best course of action is to get checked out by a doctor. The information below is for educational purposes only and should not be used to diagnose any condition.
You may experience:
Back injuries can also contribute to long-term conditions such as:
If you’ve suffered a serious back injury in a car, truck, or slip-and-fall accident, you deserve a legal team that will fight for your rights and help you pursue the compensation you need to recover.
In the Kansas City area and across Missouri, the Nash & Franciskato Law Firm will fight for your rights. Contact our legal team today at (877) 284-6600. One of our experienced staff members will speak with you personally and will provide you with a free, no-obligation case evaluation.
Call us today at (877) 284-6600 to schedule your free consultation.
SCHEDULE YOUR FREE CASE EVALUATION
Stay informed with legal news, safety tips, and updates by subscribing to our email newsletter. Your email address will only be used to send you our newsletter and respond to inquiries.
Find related articles: Automobile Accidents and Injuries.
Past results afford no guarantee of future results, and each case is different and is judged on its own merits. The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements.
Photo Credits: Rawpixel(Laura Louise Churchill) – Image File – via depositphotos.com
