Recovering from a car crash can be overwhelming, so seeking proper treatment as soon as possible is of the utmost importance. In particular, middle back pain after a car accident requires specialized care to reduce discomfort and promote healing. Many treatments are available for middle back pain caused by a car accident, including chiropractic care, physical therapy, massage therapy, and exercises designed to increase flexibility.

Anti-inflammatory medications and muscle relaxants may also be recommended depending on the severity of the injury; these should only be taken when prescribed by a doctor with experience in treating middle back pain following car accidents. 

Consulting multiple medical professionals is often key to finding the most effective management of chronic back pain after a car accident.

What Distinguishes Middle Back Pain From Other Types Of Back Pain?

The thoracic spine is the middle area of your spine that has the duty of securing your rib cage to guard your vital organs. This area of your spine supports your body when walking or moving. Your thoracic spine is generally less susceptible to minor everyday injuries as it is less mobile than your lower back and neck. 

However, thoracic spine injuries can occur in a distressing event like a car accident. Injuries like this include joint injuries, herniated discs, and sprains and strains. Pain in the middle back after a car accident can also result from other areas of the body, like whiplash or a pinched nerve. 

Thoracic or middle back pain from a car accident can manifest as muscle spasms, intense pressure, or shooting jolts of pain that may be localized or radiate out in waves across one’s back and shoulders. Even if the cause of the initial car accident was low-velocity, suffering from middle back pain afterward is no indication that symptoms will be less severe. Medical literature has shown strong correlations between this injury and long-lasting problems.

Despite the patchwork system through which many unfortunate drivers must source treatment for their injuries following a serious accident, professional intervention – including chiropractic care and physical therapy – should always be considered to mitigate future pains or complications associated with such an injury.

Injuries Closely Associated with Middle Back Pain

Middle back pain following an auto accident can result from injury to any of the structures of the upper back. The most common cause is whiplash. While many middle back injuries have similar symptoms, an experienced chiropractor can assist in diagnosing the problem and creating a personalized treatment plan. 

If you ever have middle back pain that occurs after a car accident, the associated injuries could be one of the following: 

1. Whiplash

Whiplash can happen in even minor accidents at speeds as low as five to eight miles per hour. It is prevalent during rear-end collisions. Symptoms may not always surface right away, making it confusing for some people to associate their pain with the accident that caused it. 

2. Bulging or Herniated Discs

Each vertebra of your spine has a soft disc in between to cushion and assist in movement. If a disc slips out of place or ruptures, it can push on nerves and cause numbness, tingling, and pain. A bulging or herniated disc can be extremely painful and, if left untreated, lead to other degenerative spinal conditions. 

3. Sprains and Strains

When ligaments tear or stretch, it is called a sprain; when tendons or muscles are stretched or torn, it is called a strain. Sprains and strains can happen under the same motions that also cause whiplash and can lead to swelling, soreness, and a decreased range of motion. 

4. Facet Joint Injuries

Your spine’s vertebrae connect by the facet joints, which prevent your spine from stretching too far in any direction. Spasms and pain can result in your back when a facet joint or the surrounding area is damaged. A facet joint injury can develop into a facet joint syndrome if left untreated. 

5. Pinched Nerves

Irritation or compression of your back nerves or spinal nerve roots can cause middle back pain. A herniated disc can sometimes pinch or irritate the sciatic nerve causing sciatica pain, numbness, tingling, and discomfort.

How Can A Chiropractor Treat Middle Back Pain After A Car Accident?

Most individuals treat their middle back pain after a car accident at home with rest, ice, heat, and pain medications. However, if the pain and soreness do not resolve with some rest after a few days, you should consult a chiropractor. 

Whether your pain is connected to a minor injury or a more severe condition, a chiropractor can help provide pain relief and renewed mobility without resorting to medication or surgery.

Spinal Decompression Therapy

For a joint injury or a herniated disc, spinal decompression therapy is a treatment that helps to stretch the spine gently. This stretching increases the space between the vertebrae allowing the joints and discs to realign naturally, which promotes faster healing.

Chiropractic Adjustment

Manual adjustments from your chiropractor can also help relieve various middle back injuries as it assists in restoring joint mobility.

Key takeaway

Untreated pain in your middle back can eventually lead to secondary symptoms like soreness while standing or sitting, difficulty moving, and pain that expands to other areas of the body. 

If you are experiencing middle back pain symptoms after a car accident, don’t let it get you down. Seek treatment and get relief and healing. Make an appointment for a consultation with an experienced car accident chiropractor at Utah Therapeutic Massage and Bodyworks today.