Back pain after a car accident can be caused by a variety of factors, such as:
Whiplash: this is a common injury that occurs when your neck and head are jerked back and forth suddenly, causing strain or tear in your neck muscles, ligaments, or discs. Whiplash can also affect your upper back and shoulders, leading to pain, stiffness, or headaches.
Spinal cord injury: this is a serious and potentially life-threatening injury that occurs when your spinal cord is bruised, compressed, or severed by the impact of the accident. Spinal cord injury can cause partial or complete paralysis, loss of sensation, or loss of bowel or bladder control.
Herniated or bulging discs: the impact of the accident can damage or displace your intervertebral discs, causing them to press against your nerves, leading to pain, numbness, or weakness in your back, legs, or arms.
Fractured vertebrae: the force of the accident can fracture your vertebrae, which are the bones that make up your spine, causing severe pain, limited mobility, or nerve damage.
Soft tissue injuries: the impact of the accident can also cause sprains or strains in your muscles, ligaments, or tendons, leading to pain, swelling, or limited range of motion.