Why your back hurts after a crash
The force of a collision — plus the seatbelt doing its job — can strain the muscles and ligaments along your spine, irritate the small joints, or aggravate a disc in your lower (lumbar) or mid (thoracic) back. When a disc presses on a nerve, the pain can travel down a leg. That's the "sciatica" pattern people describe after an accident.
Back injuries are often delayed too — inflammation peaks a day or two later, so the soreness that felt minor at the scene can turn into a real problem by the next morning.
Symptoms we check for
General education — not a diagnosis. We evaluate first.
- Lower-back pain or stiffness, worse with bending or sitting
- Pain, numbness, or tingling traveling into the buttock or leg (sciatica pattern)
- Mid-back or rib soreness along the seatbelt line
- Muscle spasm that "locks up" your back
- Pain that started or worsened 24–72 hours after the crash
- Trouble standing up straight or finding a comfortable position
Leg pain, numbness, or weakness can mean a nerve is involved — get that checked promptly.
Why a same-week exam matters
Insurers and attorneys look closely at the gap between your crash and your first visit. A prompt exam documents what hurts and when, in plain language, while it's clearly tied to the accident — and that record is what holds up for your claim later.
We don't promise outcomes. We tell you what we see, in writing.
How we treat back pain
Every plan starts with an exam. Then we use the tools that fit your injury:
- Chiropractic adjustments to restore movement and ease joint irritation
- Mechanical traction to take pressure off irritated discs and nerves
- Electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) and moist heat to calm spasm and pain
- Therapeutic stretching and soft-tissue work for tight, guarded muscles
- At-home exercises to rebuild core strength and support your recovery
If the exam points to something outside our scope, we say so and refer you — including for X-ray or MRI when warranted.
What this costs you
Most patients pay $0 at the visit. With active Minnesota no-fault (PIP), we verify benefits and bill your auto insurer directly. Working with an attorney? We bill on lien when appropriate. No coverage? We tell you a transparent number before you book.
Schedule your free consultation
Leave your name and number and we'll call to lock in your free consultation during business hours (Mon–Fri 9a–12p & 2–6p). After hours, we follow up the next morning. Your information stays with the clinic.
⏱ Typical response time during business hours: 1–2 hours. In a hurry? Call (651) 202-3178 directly.