Get insights into back problems, fender bender symptoms, and effective ways to address your discomfort and promote healing.
Contents
Even though a fender accident may not seem like much, the upper, middle, and lower parts of the back can be severely damaged by the unexpected shock. Injuries from even minor incidents may result in chronic pain and suffering. Do you experience back discomfort when twisting and turning due to stiffness? Do you find that moving your extremities helps to reduce tingling or numbness sensations? Or do you get recurring headaches that force you to lie down in bed? Following a fender-bender collision, these situations are often associated with a range of pain-like sensations. With a particular emphasis on the role that chiropractic care plays in many people’s recovery, today’s post will examine the five main back issues that may develop after a vehicle accident, along with their symptoms and effective non-surgical solutions.
Whiplash, in which the neck and upper back are violently wrenched back and forth quickly like a whip, is one of the most frequent injuries sustained in rear-end or front-end crashes. (Stroke, 2023) People experience pain and suffering as a consequence of the tension on their muscles, ligaments, and soft tissues.
Because it corrects misalignments that may be causing discomfort and limited mobility, chiropractic therapy is particularly beneficial for whiplash, offering a drug-free approach to recovery.
The lower back (lumbar spine) is vulnerable to sprains (ligament injuries) and strains (muscle or tendon injuries) during a collision. The sudden impact can overstretch or tear these tissues, leading to acute pain.
Chiropractic adjustments help restore proper spinal function, reducing pain and preventing chronic issues from developing in the lumbar region.
Herniated discs can happen when the soft inner portion of the spinal disc bulges through its outer portion within the spine. (Jin et al., 2023) Individuals involved in an auto collision may experience herniated discs due to the compressive forces, which can cause irritation to nearby nerves and lead to significant discomfort.
Chiropractic care is a cornerstone of herniated disc treatment, as it focuses on restoring spinal mechanics without surgery, often providing significant relief from symptoms.
Facet joints, which connect the vertebrae, can become irritated or injured during a fender bender, especially in side-impact crashes. (Du et al., 2022) This can lead to localized pain and restricted movement.
Chiropractors excel at treating facet joint injuries by realigning the spine back to its neutral position and improving joint function, which can significantly reduce pain and restore mobility.
The mid-back (thoracic spine) is less commonly injured due to its stability. However, a fender bender can still cause sprains, strains, or misalignments in this region, especially if the torso twists during impact.
Chiropractic care is highly effective for thoracic injuries, as chiropractors can assess the root cause of pain and spinal misalignments while promoting natural healing and recovery.
Chiropractic care stands out as a safe, non-invasive, and effective treatment for back problems after a fender bender. By focusing on spinal alignment, joint function, and soft tissue health, chiropractors address the underlying causes of pain rather than just masking symptoms. (Stephen Dies, 1992) Regular chiropractic visits can:
Unlike surgical options, chiropractic care requires no downtime and avoids the overlapping risk profiles associated with invasive procedures. It’s also customizable, with chiropractors tailoring treatments to each patient’s specific injuries and needs.
If you experience back pain, stiffness, or other symptoms after a fender bender, don’t wait to seek treatment. Early intervention from auto collisions can help prevent minor injuries from developing into chronic conditions. Consult a chiropractor or healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation, which may include various imaging tests (such as X-rays or MRIs) to assess the extent of the injury that the body has sustained.
From whiplash to herniated discs, a fender accident may cause a variety of back issues. However, there is a way to heal with non-surgical therapies, especially chiropractic therapy. People can restore their mobility and enhance their quality of life by using spinal adjustments, therapeutic exercises, and complementary treatments to alleviate symptoms such as pain, stiffness, and numbness. If you have been in an automobile accident, it is crucial that you put your spinal health first and consider chiropractic adjustments as a vital component of your recovery.
We associate certified medical providers who understand the importance of assessing individuals with back pain associated with a fender bender collision. When asking important questions to our associated medical providers, we advise patients to incorporate customized treatment plans for their back pain correlated with being involved in an auto accident to promote speedy recovery. Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., utilizes this information as a professional academic service. Disclaimer
Dareh-Deh, H. R., Hadadnezhad, M., Letafatkar, A., & Peolsson, A. (2022). Therapeutic routine with respiratory exercises improves posture, muscle activity, and respiratory pattern of patients with neck pain: a randomized controlled trial. Sci Rep, 12(1), 4149. doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-08128-w
Du, R., Xu, G., Bai, X., & Li, Z. (2022). Facet Joint Syndrome: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment. J Pain Res, 15, 3689-3710. doi.org/10.2147/JPR.S389602
Jin, Y. Z., Zhao, B., Zhao, X. F., Lu, X. D., Fan, Z. F., Wang, C. J., Qi, D. T., Wang, X. N., Zhou, R. T., & Zhao, Y. B. (2023). Lumbar Intradural Disc Herniation Caused by Injury: A Case Report and Literature Review. Orthop Surg, 15(6), 1694-1701. doi.org/10.1111/os.13723
Quentin, C., Bagheri, R., Ugbolue, U. C., Coudeyre, E., Pelissier, C., Descatha, A., Menini, T., Bouillon-Minois, J. B., & Dutheil, F. (2021). Effect of Home Exercise Training in Patients with Nonspecific Low-Back Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Int J Environ Res Public Health, 18(16). doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18168430
Stephen Dies, J. W. S. (1992). Chiropractic treatment of patients in motor vehicle accidents: a statistical analysis †. J Can Chiropr Assoc., 36(3), 139-145. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2484939/
Stroke., N. I. o. N. D. a. (2023). Whiplash Information Page. Retrieved from www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/whiplash
Teoli, D., Dua, A., & An, J. (2025). Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation. In StatPearls. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30725873
Torres-Pareja, M., Sanchez-Lastra, M. A., Iglesias, L., Suarez-Iglesias, D., Mendoza, N., & Ayan, C. (2019). Exercise Interventions for Improving Flexibility in People with Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania), 55(11). doi.org/10.3390/medicina55110726
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The information on "Back Problems: Recovery and Treatment Tips After a Fender Bender" is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional or licensed physician and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make healthcare decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified healthcare professional.
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Welcome to the wellness blog of El Paso Back Clinic, where Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, FNP-C, a board-certified Family Practice Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C) and Chiropractor (DC), presents insights on how our team is dedicated to holistic healing and personalized care. Our practice aligns with evidence-based treatment protocols inspired by integrative medicine principles, similar to those found on dralexjimenez.com, focusing on restoring health naturally for patients of all ages.
Our areas of chiropractic practice include Wellness & Nutrition, Chronic Pain, Personal Injury, Auto Accident Care, Work Injuries, Back Injury, Low Back Pain, Neck Pain, Migraine Headaches, Sports Injuries, Severe Sciatica, Scoliosis, Complex Herniated Discs, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Pain, Complex Injuries, Stress Management, Functional Medicine Treatments, and in-scope care protocols.
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email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com
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