Low back pain is
common after whiplash injuries and is found at a rate of
approximately 50%. One study found the incidence of back
pain to be 25% two years after the injury.
The damage to the low
back during a whiplash trauma occurs as a result of the
pelvis generally being locked in place by seat restraints
and the trunk being able to freely move during the event.
This type of injury
generally causes low back pain which is myofascial in
origin. Some have suggested that the origin of pain is
from sprain of the lumbar ligaments. Another possible
source of pain might be from chronic contracture of the
diaphragm as a result of the initial shock at the time of
the accident. Traumatized soft tissues of the legs and
buttocks from bracing during an accident might be a
source of pain.
Injuries to the low
back can yield many symptoms, including the following:
Sciatica is
pain which travels down through the buttocks and
along the back of the leg past the knee. It can
be caused by such things as muscle contracture
and involvement of the intervertebral discs in
the lumbar spine.
Fractures of
the low back are rare from whiplash injuries.
Trauma to the
abdominal area might cause a referred pain to the
back. Low back pain of this type tends to be
constant, worse at night, and not improved by
rest. This
is a very serious symptom and should be evaluated
immediately by a qualified physician!
Tingling,
numbness, or loss of reflexes of the leg are
indications of disc disease.
Urinary
incontinence or retention is a serious symptom. It should be
evaluated immediately by a qualified physician!
Treatment
Chiropractic
adjustments and care, including muscle/myofascial work,
can be very beneficial.
Massage, including
myofascial treatment
Ice massage
NSAIDs
Medications, including
muscle relaxants and oral pain medications. Medications,
though, have a general effect and are not specifically
focused on the origins of pain. There are also side
effects associated with many of the common over- the-
counter medications. Become familiar with these if you
take medications.
Surgery should be the
last option always. It should be used for critical
intervention only or after all other resources have been
exhausted.