Many people dismiss a sore back or neck as something normal caused by aging or daily routines such as sitting for lengthy periods of time, picking up heavy objects or working out too strenuously.

Don’t be quick to dismiss back or neck pain. This type of pain can have a very specific cause and may require chiropractic intervention. For example, experiencing lingering back or neck pain after a car accident may indicate there’s something more serious going on with your body.

Accident victims often don’t realize they’ve been injured until hours or days after their crash when their pain finally manifests. Recognizing symptoms and seeking immediate medical attention can help you avoid serious long-term health problems.

What’s Considered “Normal” Back Pain?

Activities like lifting, bending or twisting may result in a sore back. Typically, people who are out of shape or overweight are especially prone to back injuries because of a weak core and the excess weight their bodies are forced to carry. However, even the fittest of people can develop back pain if they overexert themselves physically.

Temporary mild to moderate back pain that can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication usually isn’t something to worry about. If your pain goes away within 72 hours, it’s likely not a serious long-term issue (unless it recurs frequently). But if your symptoms linger for days and the pain intensifies, you are likely dealing with a more serious injury that would benefit from chiropractic intervention.

Symptoms That May Indicate a Medical Emergency

If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, you may be dealing with a medical emergency and should seek help right away:

• Pain that radiates to other parts of the body, like glutes or legs
• Sharp pain, which could indicate you’ve torn a muscle or ligament
• Saddle anesthesia, or numbness in the groin or glutes, can be a symptom of a serious spine injury
• Back pain accompanied by an inability to control your bladder or bowls could be a sign of a serious spine infection, such as meningitis
• Loss of movement in the arms or legs

When Does Neck Pain Indicate Something Serious?

Like a sore back, neck pain that goes away on its own within 72 hours is more of an annoyance than a reason to be concerned. If your pain or stiffness doesn’t go away despite taking medication or performing gentle stretching, you should strongly consider visiting a chiropractor, especially if the pain is accompanied by additional symptoms. Never ignore warning signs like:

• Headaches, dizziness and impaired vision
• Fever
• Nausea or vomiting
• Cognitive changes, such as confusion or unusual mood swings
• Problems walking
• Slurred speech
• Unexpected weight loss that isn’t attributable to diet changes

Seeking Medical Intervention After a Car Accident or Injury

People who’ve suffered injuries at work, on the road, in slip and falls or from defective products may not realize the extent of their injuries until hours, days or even weeks after the accident occurred. Back and neck injuries are common consequences of accidents, but post-accident adrenaline can mask the pain that would normally indicate you’re injured.

If you’ve been involved in any kind of serious car or truck accident, you should seek medical help as soon as possible instead of waiting for your condition to worsen.

Chiropractic clinics like HURT911 that specialize in auto accident injuries frequently diagnose car crash victims for no out-of-pocket costs. Find out for sure if you need treatment at no cost to you.

Get Quality Injury Treatment from HURT911 in Georgia

If you’ve been in an accident and are now suffering debilitating back or neck pain, consider visiting one of our many locations, like our offices in Atlanta, Athens and McDonough.

Our experienced chiropractors will provide proper medical and chiropractic care to help you heal from your injuries. We also provide legal resources and can help you file an auto accident injury claim.

To schedule an appointment, call 1-800-HURT-911.