Low Back Pain

If you're experiencing lower back pain after a car accident, you're not alone—and it's not something to ignore. Even at low speeds, auto collisions can transmit tremendous force through the spine, often resulting in lumbar strains, sprains, herniated discs, or more serious injuries like fractures.

At Radius Physical + Sports Rehab, we specialize in helping patients across Nevada City, Grass Valley, and nearby communities recover from these injuries with accurate diagnosis, hands-on care, and customized rehabilitation programs.

Why the Lower Back is So Vulnerable in Auto Accidents

During a crash, your seatbelt stabilizes the lower body—but your upper body remains free to move. This dynamic often causes the lower thoracic and lumbar spine to absorb most of the impact.

These forces can:

• Stretch or tear ligaments and tendons

• Overload and strain muscles

• Damage intervertebral discs

• Irritate or compress nerves

• Fracture vertebrae

Without proper evaluation and treatment, even mild back injuries can develop into chronic pain or long-term dysfunction.

Common Lower Back Injuries We Treat After Car Accidents

🔹 Lumbar Strains and Sprains

Strains affect muscles and tendons, while sprains involve the ligaments between vertebrae. Both are extremely common after a car crash and often present with:

• Sharp or dull pain

• Muscle tightness or spasms

• Swelling and stiffness

• Pain with movement or twisting

🔹 Herniated or Bulging Discs

A herniated disc occurs when the gel-like center of a spinal disc pushes through the tough outer layer—often pressing on nearby nerves. You may experience:

• Radiating pain into the hips or legs (sciatica)

• Numbness, tingling, or weakness

• Pain that worsens with sitting or bending

🔹 Fractured Vertebrae

Spinal fractures can range from hairline cracks to more serious compression fractures. While mild cases may heal with bracing and rest, more severe injuries require surgical intervention and structured rehabilitation to avoid nerve damage and preserve function.

Symptoms to Watch For

• Lower back pain that lingers or worsens

• Difficulty standing, bending, or walking

• Muscle spasms or sharp stabbing sensations

• Numbness or tingling in the legs

• Bowel, bladder, or sexual dysfunction (emergency)

Don’t ignore these signs. If you’ve been in an accident—even a minor one—it’s critical to get evaluated by a musculoskeletal specialist.

Diagnosis and Assessment at Radius

At Radius, we use a combination of:

• Orthopedic and neurological testing

• Range of motion and strength assessments

• Imaging referrals (X-rays, MRI, or CT scan if needed)

• Detailed health and accident history review

We take the time to understand what’s really going on so we can design a plan that meets your needs and supports your full recovery.

What Lower Back Pain Treatment Looks Like

Whether you're recovering from a strain, disc herniation, or post-surgical fracture, your personalized care plan may include:

✅ Manual Therapy & Soft Tissue Release
To reduce muscle tension, promote circulation, and relieve pain

✅ Spinal Mobilization or Adjustment
To restore motion to restricted joints and improve alignment

✅ Therapeutic Exercise & Rehabilitation
To build strength, stabilize your core, and protect against reinjury

✅ Guided Movement & Education
To help you return to work, sport, or daily life safely

✅ Pain Management & Home Strategies
Including when and how to use ice, heat, or braces appropriately

We don’t rush recovery—we guide it, every step of the way.

Serving Nevada City, Grass Valley & Surrounding Communities

Radius Physical + Sports Rehab is trusted by patients across:

• Nevada City

• Grass Valley

• Cedar Ridge

• Penn Valley

• North San Juan

• And greater Nevada County

Our team has extensive experience in auto injury care, and we work closely with your attorney, insurance provider, or primary care doctor when needed.

Don’t Let a Car Accident Create Long-Term Back Pain

Back pain from an auto injury can linger if not addressed properly. Let the experts at Radius help you heal the right way—so you can get back to doing what you love, pain-free.

📅 Call (530) 955-0065 or book online today to schedule your comprehensive evaluation. Same-week appointments often available.