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How long after a car accident should you have back pain?
How many days after a car accident is it normal to feel pain? I got rear-ended three weeks ago, and my back is still killing me! I'm a little nervous because I don't know if it should be hurting for this long.
Joshua Levy · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
“The cause of back pain after an accident can vary, so it’s a little difficult to answer your question. But try not to worry!
Most back injuries will start to feel better after two to three weeks. If they don’t, then you should go see a doctor for a professional diagnosis.
A few of the most common causes of back pain after an accident are:
- Herniated discs: Your spine is essentially a line of vertebrae separated by discs that act as shock absorbers. Sometimes, a car accident can displace one of those discs. The disc may heal on its own, but common treatments include medicine, physical therapy, and (in a worst-case scenario) surgery.
- Strains or sprains: These injuries occur when you make a sudden twist or turn that stretches your tendons or muscles. These injuries often happen as a result of car accidents and will usually heal on their own.
- Whiplash: When you get rear-ended, your body may go through a sort of whipping motion, where your lower back launches forward and your head flings backward. This is called whiplash. The most common symptom is upper back or neck pain, which is typically treated with over-the-counter medication.
Back injuries can be serious when left untreated for too long, so don’t be afraid to get checked out. The other driver will likely be responsible for your medical bills, and depending on your policy, your insurance provider may even help! Some states require drivers to buy
personal injury protection (PIP)
plans; if you’ve done so, you may already be covered.Your health should be a top priority, so go over your policy and make sure you’re getting the coverage you need. If you aren’t happy with what you find, try
Jerry
. A licensed broker, the Jerry app can help you find the cheapest quotes from the top name-brand insurance companies, buy new car insurance, and even help you cancel your old policy!”View full answer
- Gregory R.
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