Low back pain after an accident
A whiplash injury can injure multiple structures at the same time, including in the lower back. Pain after whiplash is usually multifactorial, so the goal is to identify all of the injured structures contributing to your symptoms.
What can be injured in the lower back
- Lumbar facet joints. Lower back joints can become inflamed and painful.
- Sacroiliac (SI) joints. The SI joints can absorb force and become a source of pain; they are a common source of lower back pain.
- Spinal ligaments. Ligaments in the lower back can be stretched or torn.
- Discs. Discs can be damaged, irritated or degenerated.
- Nerves. Nerves can be irritated or inflamed, causing pain, numbness or tingling.
Many of these injuries can heal when given the right environment and the right treatment.
Fibers Neurological Institute also sees chronic post-traumatic spine pain and failed back syndrome.
In Florida, Personal Injury Protection (PIP) generally requires that you get initial medical care within 14 days of the accident, so do not wait to see if the pain goes away.
How Dr. Chago's team evaluates it
Every traumatic injury deserves a comprehensive neurological evaluation. Many injuries improve with conservative care, but others may involve damage to the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves or musculoskeletal system that can go undetected without a specialized assessment.
The Neurofibers Evaluation Protocol starts with a detailed history and a complete neurological examination, adds imaging studies and specialized testing as clinically indicated, and ends in diagnosis and treatment recommendations for all the clinically significant pain generators identified, followed by ongoing assessment of your progress.
The team reviews your symptoms and imaging and explains your options in plain language, from injections and the FIG Procedure to surgery when it is truly needed.
Your first visit is a virtual evaluation from home with a clinician on Dr. Chago's clinical team. The team collects your records and imaging and prepares your case for review with Dr. Chago. An in-person visit follows when it is appropriate.
Already have imaging and a question about it? A case review gives you a recorded video answer.
A treatment the team offers
Functional Injury Guided treatment: image-guided PRP for the injured structures behind whiplash pain, in one coordinated session.
When to go to the emergency room. A severe or worsening headache, new weakness or numbness, confusion, trouble speaking or walking, seizures, or loss of bladder or bowel control need emergency care now. Call 911.
This is general information, not medical advice for your case. To talk about your symptoms, book a visit or call 1-855-DRCHAGO.
Talk to Dr. Chago's team.
Call Dr. Chago's line. His assistant answers questions for free, explains the options, and gets you started, in English or Spanish.