Back Pain After a Motorcycle Accident

Motorcycle accidents can exert a significant force on the body, and the back is particularly susceptible to injury. Unlike cars, motorcycles offer little protection to riders, which makes them more vulnerable to direct impacts and the forces of a crash. The spine, muscles, ligaments, and tendons in the back can all be affected.

The most common causes of back pain after a motorcycle accident include: 

• Muscle strains and ligament sprains: These are common and result from the overstretching or tearing of muscles and ligaments in the back. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and reduced mobility.
• Herniated discs: The impact of a crash can cause the discs between the vertebrae to rupture or shift, leading to a herniated disc. This can cause pain, numbness, or weakness in the back and legs.
• Vertebral fractures: The force of a collision can possibly break the vertebrae. These fractures can range in severity and may lead to chronic pain or a spinal cord injury.
• Spinal cord injuries: These are the most severe and can result in permanent changes in strength, sensation, and other body functions below the site of the injury.

Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination, reviewing your medical history, and imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs. For minor back injuries, rest, ice, and activity modification may be sufficient enough to make a full recovery. 

Some back injuries also require the use of pain medications and physical therapy. In severe cases, you may need surgery to fix herniated discs or spinal cord injuries. The recovery time for a back injury can range from a couple of weeks to six months or longer. 

Treatment for back pain often includes: 

• Pain management: In the early stages, managing pain is a priority. Doctors may prescribe pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, or muscle relaxants. In cases of severe pain, stronger medications may be temporarily used under close medical supervision.
• Physical therapy: Physical therapy plays a crucial role in recovery. A physical therapist can develop a personalized exercise program to strengthen back muscles, improve flexibility, and reduce pain. These exercises are designed to gradually restore range of motion and support healing.
• Rest and activity modification: You need adequate rest when recovering from back pain. It's also important to remain as active as possible within pain limits. Your doctor can guide you on how to modify activities to avoid aggravating your back injury.
• Chiropractic care: You might find relief through chiropractic treatments. This involves spinal manipulation and adjustments to align the body and reduce pain.
• Acupuncture: This traditional Chinese medicine technique involves the insertion of fine needles into specific points on the body. It can help provide pain relief and promote healing.
• Heat and cold therapy: Applying heat can relax muscles and improve blood flow, while cold therapy can reduce inflammation and numb sore areas. Alternating between the two may be beneficial for a back injury.
• Massage therapy: Therapeutic massage can help relax tight muscles, improve circulation, and provide pain relief.
• Surgery: In severe cases, surgery might be necessary. This is common when there's structural damage to the spine or nerve compression. Surgical procedures can vary from minimally invasive interventions to more complex operations such as spinal fusion.

Back pain settlements can range from $10,000 to $100,000 or more. It depends on how severe your back injury is and the impact it has on your life. There’s no set amount for back pain after a motorcycle accident. However, an attorney will accurately value your claim by adding up: 

• Current and future medical expenses.
• Lost wages and future earning capacity.
• Pain and suffering, mental trauma, and emotional anguish.
• Loss of enjoyment of life. 
• Property damage or loss relating to the motorcycle accident.

If you’re suffering from back pain after a motorcycle accident, you need a strong legal advocate on your side. The insurance companies often have biases towards motorcyclists and may go to great lengths to reduce your compensation. 

With the help of a Premier Attorney, the insurance companies can’t dictate the outcome of your motorcycle accident case. Your attorney will investigate your motorcycle accident and use strong negotiation skills to help you receive maximum compensation. 

Our verified attorneys also work on a contingency fee structure, so you don’t have to pay for their services unless they win your case. To get started on your claim, reach out to an attorney near you and schedule a free consultation.