Based on information from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, there were 1,230 motor vehicle accidents in Pennsylvania in 2022. Accidents like these can cause injuries that result in lower back pain.
Disc damage
A bulging disc and a herniated disc affect the discs in your spine. Both conditions can cause low back pain, but there are differences between the two.
A bulging disc is when the outer layer of a disc in your spine bulges outward. But a herniated disc is when the outer layer of a disc rips and its jelly-like insides protrude through the tear.
Both injuries can irritate the nerves in your spine. You might feel low back pain, numbness or weakness. But a herniated disc is often more painful than a bulging disc. This is because a herniated disc can put additional pressure on the nerves in your spine.
Age is the most common cause of damage to the disc. However, the violent impact of car and motorcycle accidents can also cause severe disc damage.
Lumbar damage
Lumbar damage occurs when there’s a break in one or more of the bones in your lower back. This lower part of your spine is known as the lumbar spine, and it consists of five bones that are part of your spine.
Lumbar damage is a common motor vehicle accident injury. You might experience severe low back pain that gets worse when you move. A great deal of this is because your lumbar spine supports the weight of your upper body and affects the range of motion in your lower back.
Your lower back pain might develop immediately after your accident. It’s also possible to go hours or days before your back starts to hurt. The severity of your pain will depend on the location and severity of your injury.
