Upper Back Injuries After a Dallas Car Accident: What Victims Need to Know

An upper back injury after a car accident can be painful, limiting, and more serious than it first appears. Many people leave a crash thinking they only suffered soreness, stiffness, or a pulled muscle, only to later discover that they have a thoracic spine injury, disc injury, rib-related injury, nerve irritation, fracture, or another condition that may require months of treatment.

Upper back injuries are common after Dallas car accidents because the spine, ribs, shoulders, and torso can absorb significant crash forces. In a rear-end crash, the body may be violently thrown forward and backward. In a side-impact collision, the upper back may twist or strike the seat, door, or console. In a head-on collision, rollover, truck wreck, or high-speed crash, the upper back can be compressed, stretched, twisted, or jolted with substantial force.

The upper back is also closely connected to the neck, shoulders, ribs, and chest wall. Because of this, upper back pain after a wreck may come with shoulder pain, neck pain, headaches, chest tightness, pain between the shoulder blades, or pain that worsens with deep breathing.

At The Wooley Law Firm, Dallas car accident lawyer Andrew J. Wooley represents injured crash victims with upper back injuries ranging from soft tissue injuries to serious spinal trauma. These claims may involve emergency room treatment, x-rays, MRIs, CT scans, orthopedic care, pain management, physical therapy, injections, future medical expenses, lost wages, pain, impairment, and loss of enjoyment of life.

Before accepting a settlement from an insurance company, it is important to fully understand the nature of your upper back injury, your future medical needs, and how the injury may affect your work and daily life.

If you suffered an upper back injury in a Dallas car accident, call The Wooley Law Firm at 214-699-6524 or contact us through our website for a free case evaluation.

What Is the Upper Back?

The upper back generally refers to the thoracic spine area, which is located between the base of the neck and the lower back. The thoracic spine is the part of the back connected to the rib cage and is located mostly between the shoulder blades.

Because the thoracic spine helps support the upper body and connects with the ribs, injuries in this area can affect movement, posture, lifting, reaching, sitting, sleeping, and breathing comfort.

Why Upper Back Injuries After a Car Accident Should Be Taken Seriously

Insurance companies often try to minimize upper back injury claims. They may argue that the injury is only soreness, a muscle strain, or a minor soft tissue injury. They may also argue that back pain is related to age, posture, arthritis, or a prior condition.

However, upper back injuries can be complicated. Back pain can range from a muscle ache to a burning, stabbing, or shooting feeling, and movement such as bending, twisting, lifting, standing, or walking can make symptoms worse.

A normal x-ray does not always rule out a serious injury. X-rays may help identify fractures or alignment issues, but they may not show muscle injuries, ligament injuries, disc injuries, nerve irritation, or soft tissue trauma. In some cases, a doctor may recommend an MRI, CT scan, specialist evaluation, physical therapy, pain management, or other treatment.

Car accident victims should be cautious before settling too quickly. Once a settlement is signed, the insurance company will usually not pay more money if the upper back injury later requires injections, additional imaging, therapy, surgery, or future treatment.

Common Causes of Upper Back Injuries in Dallas Car Accidents

Upper back injuries can happen in many types of motor vehicle collisions. Common causes include:

• Rear-end collisions that force the torso forward and backward

• Side-impact crashes that twist the upper back

• Head-on collisions that compress the spine and torso

• Rollover crashes

• Seatbelt force across the chest, shoulder, and upper back

• Airbag deployment

• The upper back striking the seat, door, window, or center console

• Bracing against the steering wheel before impact

• Truck accidents and commercial vehicle crashes

• Pedestrian, bicycle, motorcycle, rideshare, and delivery vehicle accidents

An upper back injury does not have to involve a broken bone to be serious. Muscle injuries, rib-related pain, disc injuries, nerve symptoms, and spinal joint irritation can cause lasting pain and functional problems.

Symptoms of an Upper Back Injury After a Car Accident

Upper back injury symptoms may appear immediately after the crash or worsen over the next several days. Common symptoms include:

• Pain between the shoulder blades

• Pain in the upper back or mid-back

• Muscle spasms

• Stiffness

• Tightness

• Burning pain

• Sharp or stabbing pain

• Pain that worsens with movement

• Pain when twisting or reaching

• Pain when lifting

• Pain with deep breathing

• Chest wall or rib-area pain

• Neck pain

• Shoulder pain

• Headaches

• Numbness or tingling

• Weakness

• Pain that radiates around the ribs or into the arm

• Difficulty sleeping

• Difficulty sitting for long periods

• Difficulty working, driving, or performing daily tasks

Any of these symptoms should be taken seriously. A crash victim may need medical evaluation, diagnostic imaging, physical therapy, pain management, orthopedic care, or other treatment.

Upper Back Sprains and Strains After a Car Accident

Sprains and strains are common upper back injuries after a crash. A strain involves injury to a muscle or tendon. A sprain involves injury to ligaments that support joints. These injuries may occur when the upper back is suddenly stretched, twisted, compressed, or forced into an abnormal position during impact.

Symptoms may include:

• Aching pain

• Muscle tightness

• Tenderness

• Spasms

• Swelling

• Stiffness

• Pain with movement

• Reduced range of motion

Many sprains and strains improve with conservative treatment, but some injuries persist. Treatment may include medication, rest, physical therapy, stretching, strengthening, and activity modification. If pain continues, additional medical evaluation may be needed.

Thoracic Spine Injuries After a Dallas Car Accident

The thoracic spine is the upper and middle portion of the back. Trauma can injure the joints, discs, muscles, ligaments, and nerves in this area.

Thoracic back pain can occur after trauma or sudden injury, and muscular irritation or soft tissue problems are common causes.

Symptoms of a thoracic spine injury may include:

• Pain in the upper or middle back

• Pain between the shoulder blades

• Pain that wraps around the chest or ribs

• Stiffness

• Muscle spasms

• Pain with posture changes

• Pain with deep breathing

• Burning or radiating pain

• Numbness or tingling

Thoracic spine injuries can be frustrating because they may affect multiple areas at once, including the back, ribs, chest wall, shoulders, and neck.

Herniated or Bulging Discs in the Upper Back

The discs in the spine act as cushions between the vertebrae. A car accident can aggravate or injure these discs. While thoracic disc herniations are less common than neck or lower back disc injuries, they can still happen after trauma.

Symptoms may include:

• Upper back pain

• Burning pain

• Pain that wraps around the ribs

• Numbness or tingling

• Weakness

• Pain with coughing, sneezing, twisting, or bending

• Pain that worsens with sitting or certain movements

A disc injury may require MRI evaluation, physical therapy, medication, injections, pain management, or surgical consultation in more serious cases.

Facet Joint Injuries in the Upper Back

Facet joints are small joints in the spine that help guide movement. A crash can irritate or injure these joints, causing localized pain and stiffness.

Symptoms of facet joint injury may include:

• Pain near the spine

• Pain with twisting

• Pain when arching the back

• Stiffness

• Muscle spasms

• Tenderness

• Pain that worsens after sitting or standing

Treatment may include physical therapy, medication, injections, and pain management. Facet joint injuries can be difficult because they may not be obvious on basic imaging but can still cause significant pain.

Rib and Chest Wall Pain With Upper Back Injuries

Because the thoracic spine connects with the ribs, upper back injuries after a car accident may also cause rib or chest wall pain. Seatbelt force, twisting, and impact can irritate the muscles, joints, and soft tissues around the ribs.

Symptoms may include:

• Pain along the ribs

• Pain wrapping from the back toward the chest

• Pain with deep breathing

• Pain with coughing or sneezing

• Tenderness near the spine or ribs

• Tightness in the chest wall

• Difficulty sleeping comfortably

Chest pain after a crash should be evaluated by a medical provider to rule out serious injury. Even when the pain is musculoskeletal, it can still be painful and limiting.

Thoracic Compression Fractures After a Car Accident

A serious car accident can cause a fracture in the thoracic spine. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons explains that thoracic and lumbar spine fractures can result from high-energy events such as car crashes and may require urgent treatment.

Symptoms of a thoracic compression fracture may include:

• Sudden severe upper or middle back pain

• Pain that worsens with standing or walking

• Pain that improves when lying down

• Limited mobility

• Tenderness over the spine

• Muscle spasms

• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in more serious cases

A suspected spinal fracture should be taken seriously. Diagnosis may involve x-rays, CT scans, MRI, and specialist evaluation. Treatment depends on the severity of the fracture and whether the spine is stable.

Nerve Symptoms After an Upper Back Injury

Upper back trauma can irritate nerves in the spine, ribs, shoulder, or chest wall. Some crash victims experience numbness, tingling, burning pain, or radiating symptoms.

Nerve symptoms may include:

• Pain that travels around the ribs

• Burning pain in the back or chest wall

• Numbness or tingling

• Weakness

• Pain into the shoulder, arm, or hand

• Sensitivity to touch

• Electric shock-like pain

Nerve symptoms should not be ignored. They may require imaging, nerve testing, medication, therapy, injections, or specialist evaluation.

How Upper Back Injuries Are Diagnosed After a Car Accident

A healthcare provider may examine the back, evaluate movement, ask about pain levels, and discuss how pain affects daily activities. Mayo Clinic notes that back pain evaluation may include assessing the ability to sit, stand, walk, and move, while also discussing pain severity and how symptoms affect daily life.

Depending on the symptoms, a doctor may recommend:

• Physical examination

• X-rays

• MRI

• CT scan

• Orthopedic referral

• Spine specialist referral

• Pain management evaluation

• Range-of-motion testing

• Strength testing

• Nerve testing

• Follow-up imaging

• Surgical consultation

It is important for car accident victims to explain how the injury happened, when the pain started, whether symptoms have worsened, and how the upper back injury affects work, driving, sleep, lifting, and daily life.

Treatment for Upper Back Injuries After a Dallas Car Accident

Treatment depends on the type and severity of the injury. Many back pain treatment plans begin with conservative care, and surgery is not always the first step. Cleveland Clinic notes that physical therapy is often used during recovery to build strength and range of motion.

Common treatment may include:

• Rest

• Ice or heat

• Anti-inflammatory medication

• Pain medication

• Muscle relaxers

• Activity modification

• Physical therapy

• Chiropractic care when appropriate

• Home exercise program

• Trigger point injections

• Epidural steroid injections

• Facet injections

• Medial branch blocks

• Radiofrequency ablation

• Orthopedic care

• Spine specialist care

• Surgical consultation in serious cases

Some upper back injuries improve with conservative treatment. Others require ongoing therapy, pain management, injections, or future treatment. Either way, the cost of treatment and the impact on the victim’s life should be considered before settling with the insurance company.

How an Upper Back Injury Can Affect Your Work and Daily Life

An upper back injury can interfere with many parts of daily life. Pain, stiffness, spasms, and limited motion can make basic tasks difficult.

Upper back injuries may affect your ability to:

• Drive

• Work

• Sit for long periods

• Stand for long periods

• Lift objects

• Carry groceries

• Reach overhead

• Twist or bend

• Type or use a computer

• Sleep comfortably

• Exercise

• Cook

• Clean

• Care for children

• Perform household tasks

• Participate in hobbies

For workers who use their back, shoulders, arms, or upper body throughout the day, an upper back injury can create serious wage loss and job limitations. This may include nurses, teachers, construction workers, warehouse workers, delivery drivers, mechanics, restaurant workers, retail employees, office workers, dental professionals, and many others.

Compensation for an Upper Back Injury After a Dallas Car Accident

An upper back injury claim may include compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. Depending on the case, damages may include:

• Emergency room bills

• Urgent care bills

• Doctor visits

• Orthopedic treatment

• Spine specialist treatment

• X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans

• Physical therapy

• Pain management

• Injections

• Surgery

• Future medical expenses

• Lost wages

• Loss of earning capacity

• Pain and suffering

• Physical impairment

• Mental anguish

• Loss of enjoyment of life

• Out-of-pocket expenses

A serious upper back injury can affect more than medical bills. It can limit independence, work, sleep, household responsibilities, hobbies, exercise, and the ability to live normally.

Why You Should Not Settle Too Early After an Upper Back Injury

Insurance companies may contact you quickly after a Dallas car accident and offer a settlement before you know the full extent of your upper back injury. This can be risky.

Before resolving your claim, you should know the answers to important questions:

• Do you need an MRI or CT scan?

• Have you seen an orthopedic doctor or spine specialist?

• Is there a disc injury?

• Is there a fracture?

• Are you having nerve symptoms?

• Do you need injections or pain management?

• Will you need future treatment?

• Are you still having pain, stiffness, spasms, or limited motion?

• Can you return to work?

• Can you drive, lift, sleep, and perform daily tasks normally?

• Do you have permanent impairment?

• Have all medical bills been obtained?

• Have future medical expenses been evaluated?

Once you accept a settlement, you generally cannot reopen the claim later because your upper back injury became worse or required additional treatment. A Dallas car accident lawyer can help evaluate the claim before the insurance company pushes you into a low settlement.

How The Wooley Law Firm Helps Dallas Car Accident Victims

The Wooley Law Firm helps injured car accident victims pursue compensation after serious upper back injuries. Depending on the facts of the case, we may help by:

• Investigating the crash

• Reviewing the police report

• Identifying all insurance coverage

• Communicating with the insurance company

• Gathering medical records and bills

• Documenting lost wages

• Evaluating future medical expenses

• Reviewing orthopedic, spine, and pain management recommendations

• Calculating pain, impairment, and loss of enjoyment damages

• Negotiating with the insurance company

• Filing a lawsuit when necessary

Insurance companies are not on your side after a wreck. Their goal is to pay as little as possible. Before giving a recorded statement, signing paperwork, or accepting a settlement, speak with a Dallas car accident lawyer who can protect your rights.

Dallas Car Accident Upper Back Injury Lawyer

If you suffered an upper back injury in a car accident in Dallas, Fort Worth, or anywhere in North Texas, The Wooley Law Firm may be able to help. Andrew J. Wooley represents car accident victims with minor and severe upper back injuries and helps them pursue full compensation, including medical expenses, future medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, impairment, and loss of enjoyment of life.

Call 214-699-6524 or contact us through our website for a free case evaluation.

You don’t pay unless we win.

Frequently Asked Questions About Upper Back Injuries After a Car Accident

Can a car accident cause upper back pain?

Yes. A car accident can cause upper back pain when the thoracic spine, muscles, ligaments, ribs, discs, or nerves are injured by impact, twisting, compression, or sudden force.

What does upper back pain after a car accident feel like?

Upper back pain may feel like aching, burning, stabbing, tightness, stiffness, or muscle spasms. Some people also feel pain between the shoulder blades, around the ribs, into the chest wall, or into the shoulder and arm.

What if my upper back x-ray was normal but I still have pain?

A normal x-ray does not always rule out a serious upper back injury. Muscle injuries, ligament injuries, disc injuries, nerve irritation, and some soft tissue injuries may require MRI, CT scan, specialist evaluation, or follow-up care.

Can a car accident cause a thoracic disc injury?

Yes. A crash can injure or aggravate a disc in the thoracic spine. Symptoms may include upper back pain, burning pain, pain around the ribs, numbness, tingling, or pain that worsens with movement.

Should I settle my car accident claim before my upper back treatment is finished?

It is usually risky to settle before you understand the full extent of your upper back injury. If you later need injections, therapy, specialist care, or future treatment, the insurance company may not have to pay more after a settlement is signed.

What compensation can I recover for an upper back injury after a Dallas car accident?

Compensation may include medical bills, future medical expenses, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, physical impairment, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life.

Important Note

Andrew J. Wooley is not a healthcare provider. He is an attorney who primarily practices personal injury law. If you have questions about an upper back injury, medical treatment, symptoms, or your overall health, you should contact a qualified healthcare provider.

For more information about your rights after a wreck, visit our Dallas Car Accident Attorney page.