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After a car accident or fall, it’s common to feel shaken but relieved if you don’t have immediate pain. However, not all injuries appear right away, especially when it comes to the back. If you’re dealing with back pain after an accident and wondering if you still have a claim for compensation, our Essex County, NJ personal injury lawyer can help you understand your rights and options.
Types Of Injuries Associated WIth Delayed Back Pain
Delayed back injuries can take hours or even days to show symptoms, leaving many people unsure about whether they should see a doctor. These hidden injuries can become serious if left untreated, which is why medical attention and documentation are so important.
Whiplash And Soft Tissue Injuries
Whiplash is one of the most common delayed back injuries after an accident, especially rear-end collisions. The sudden back-and-forth motion of the head and neck can strain muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Symptoms like stiffness, soreness, or reduced range of motion often appear a day or two after the crash. It’s common for people to dismiss this pain as typical soreness, but untreated whiplash can cause ongoing discomfort and terrible headaches.
Herniated Or Bulging Discs
Your spine is made up of small bones (vertebrae) cushioned by discs that act as shock absorbers. When an accident causes too much force on the spine, these discs can slip or rupture. A herniated disc may not cause pain right away, but as it presses on nearby nerves, you might start to feel numbness, tingling, or shooting pain down your arms or legs. Because the symptoms can develop slowly, people sometimes mistake this for simple muscle soreness rather than a more serious spinal issue.
Spinal Fractures
In severe collisions or falls, the vertebrae in the spine can crack or break. While some spinal fractures are immediately painful, others start with mild discomfort that worsens over time. People may notice increased pain when standing or moving, as well as muscle spasms or changes in posture. Delayed diagnosis can lead to long-term problems, including nerve damage or spinal instability.
Pinched Nerves
A pinched nerve occurs when surrounding tissues—like muscles, bones, or discs—put pressure on a nerve. In the aftermath of an accident, swelling or inflammation may not immediately compress the nerve. As swelling increases, symptoms such as sharp pain, weakness, or a burning sensation can appear hours or days later. If left untreated, a pinched nerve can affect mobility and cause chronic pain.
Strains And Sprains
Even minor accidents can cause muscle strains or ligament sprains in the back. These injuries may seem mild at first but can become worse as the body’s natural adrenaline fades. You might start feeling soreness, stiffness, or difficulty bending and lifting in the days following the incident. Early treatment can prevent these minor injuries from turning into long-term back problems.
Why Delayed Back Pain Should Never Be Ignored
Ignoring delayed back pain can lead to long-term complications, including chronic pain, limited mobility, or nerve damage. It’s always best to see a doctor immediately after an accident, even if you feel fine. Medical professionals can identify hidden injuries through imaging and physical exams, which helps with both your recovery and any potential injury claim.
Get Legal Support Today
If your back pain appeared days or weeks after an accident, you still have rights. At the Law Offices of David A. DiBrigida, we help injury victims understand their options and pursue fair compensation for medical costs, lost income, and pain and suffering. You don’t have to handle the aftermath of an accident alone. Contact our team today to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help you seek justice after an accident.
