Car accidents can lead to a variety of injuries, even when the collision seems minor. Recently, I treated a patient who experienced aching mid-back pain after being rear-ended by a Tesla. Despite Teslas appearing small, their electric batteries make them significantly heavier than traditional vehicles of similar size. This added weight can result in substantial impact forces during accidents, even when the collision occurs at low speeds.
Why Electric Vehicles Pose Unique Risks
Electric vehicles (EVs), such as Teslas, often weigh more than traditional gasoline-powered cars because of their large battery packs. This extra weight increases the force during impact, leading to more severe damage to vehicles and greater injury risks to occupants. I’ve seen several patients whose large pickup trucks and SUVs were totaled after being hit by smaller EVs that either matched or outweighed their vehicles.
Mechanisms of Injury in Car Accidents
The human body is not designed to withstand the sudden forces experienced during a car crash. Even with advanced safety features like seat belts and airbags, the rapid deceleration and transfer of energy can cause internal injuries. Here are common mechanisms that cause aching mid-back pain after a car accident:
Whiplash
Often associated with neck injuries, whiplash can also affect the mid-back due to the rapid back-and-forth motion of the torso. This sudden, forceful movement strains muscles, ligaments, and joints, potentially leading to inflammation, stiffness, and persistent discomfort. In severe cases, the violent motion can cause small tears in the soft tissues or even contribute to disc injuries, exacerbating the pain. Whiplash-related mid-back pain might also be accompanied by headaches, dizziness, or numbness, making it essential to seek medical evaluation after an accident.
Compression Forces
The impact can compress the spine, leading to vertebral fractures, also known as a broken back bone, or herniated discs that press on nearby nerves. This compression occurs when the force from the collision causes the vertebrae to collapse or shift out of alignment. The sudden load on the spine can overwhelm its structural integrity, especially in high-speed impacts or when the body is twisted at the moment of collision. The compressed vertebrae may result in acute pain, reduced mobility, and nerve irritation. If a herniated disc occurs, it can press on the spinal cord or nerve roots, causing radiating pain, numbness, or weakness in the limbs. In severe cases, this can lead to permanent neurological deficits if not treated promptly.
Blunt Force Trauma
Direct impact from seat belts, airbags, or objects within the car can cause muscle strains, contusions, rib fractures, and even vertebral fractures. When a vehicle stops suddenly during a collision, the body continues to move forward until restrained by a seat belt or impacted by another object. This rapid deceleration can generate significant force, leading to bruising, soft tissue damage, and internal injuries. Seat belts, while life-saving, can cause seat belt syndrome, characterized by bruising across the chest and abdomen, which may mask underlying injuries like fractured ribs or damage to internal organs. Airbags deploy with great force to protect occupants, but this force can also result in chest wall injuries, including sternal and rib fractures. Additionally, unsecured objects within the car can become projectiles during a crash, striking passengers and causing blunt trauma to the back, chest, or head. These injuries may not present immediately, making prompt medical evaluation critical after any car accident.
Torsional Stress
Twisting forces during a crash can strain the muscles, ligaments, and intervertebral discs in the back.
Hyperflexion and Hyperextension Injuries
Sudden, forceful bending or extending of the spine can overstretch or tear ligaments and muscles.
Symptoms to Watch For
If you’ve been in a car accident, you might experience a range of symptoms. Common signs of injury related to aching mid-back pain include:
- Dull, persistent aching in the mid-back region
- Sharp pain with movement or deep breathing
- Muscle stiffness or tightness
- Numbness or tingling in the arms or legs
- Weakness in the limbs
- Difficulty standing or walking
These symptoms can indicate serious injuries, including a broken back bone, and should not be ignored.
Our Patient’s Story: Discovering a Broken Back Bone
In the case of my recent patient, the aching mid-back pain persisted despite initial conservative treatments like rest, over-the-counter pain medications, and physical therapy. Given the severity and persistence of his symptoms, we conducted imaging studies, including X-rays and an MRI. These revealed a broken back bone, specifically a vertebral compression fracture. This type of injury can sometimes be overlooked because the pain may initially seem like a simple muscle strain.
The Importance of Early Diagnosis
A vertebral compression fracture occurs when one of the bones in the spine collapses. This can lead to loss of height in the affected vertebra, deformity, and severe pain. Early diagnosis is critical because untreated fractures can worsen over time, leading to chronic pain and permanent spinal deformity.
Treatment with Kyphoplasty
Once we identified the fracture, we proceeded with a kyphoplasty, a minimally invasive procedure designed to stabilize the broken back bone and relieve pain. During kyphoplasty:
- A small balloon is inserted into the fractured vertebra through a needle.
- The balloon is gently inflated to restore the vertebra’s height and shape.
- After removing the balloon, the cavity is filled with bone cement to stabilize the fracture.
This procedure provides immediate pain relief for many patients and helps restore mobility. In my patient’s case, he experienced significant relief shortly after the procedure, allowing him to return to his normal activities much faster than with conservative treatments alone.
When to Seek Medical Attention
If you experience aching mid-back pain after a car accident, seek medical attention immediately if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Severe, persistent pain that doesn’t improve with rest or over-the-counter medications
- Numbness or tingling in the arms, legs, or groin area
- Weakness in the limbs, difficulty walking, or coordination problems
- Loss of bladder or bowel control, which can indicate a spinal cord injury
- Deformity or visible changes in the shape of your back
These symptoms may indicate a serious injury, such as a spinal fracture, nerve damage, or spinal cord compression, all of which require prompt medical evaluation.
Steps to Take After a Car Accident
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine initially, symptoms can appear hours or days later.
- Document Your Symptoms: Keep track of when your pain started, its severity, and any changes.
- Request Imaging Tests: X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs can help identify fractures or soft tissue injuries.
- Follow Up with a Specialist: If your symptoms persist, consult a pain specialist or spine expert for further evaluation.
Final Thoughts
Car accidents can cause hidden injuries that may not be immediately apparent. Even minor fender benders can result in significant internal trauma, especially with the increasing prevalence of heavy electric vehicles. If you’re dealing with back pain after a car accident, especially aching mid-back pain, don’t ignore it. Early evaluation can prevent complications and lead to effective treatments like kyphoplasty if needed.
For expert care in managing your pain, contact Red Butte Pain Solutions or schedule an appointment today.
Call us at 602-633-4334 to learn more.