The association between a lifetime history of low back injury in a motor vehicle collision and future low back pain

European Spine Journal. 2017

Acute injuries have long been thought to contribute to chronic conditions. Once tissue has been injured and the bio-mechanics of the joints have been altered (even temporarily), there can be long-standing implications.

This study shows a positive association between a history of low back injury in a motor vehicle collision and the development of troublesome low back pain over a 12-month period. Showcasing the potential for future pain is critically important for clinicians, attorneys, and patients.

With a majority of people involved in motor vehicle collisions reporting low back pain, and with low back pain being the number 1 cause of disability in the world, the accurate diagnosis, documentation, and treatment after an auto accident is extremely important to quality of life issues later in life.

“In patients reporting to an emergency department after a motor vehicle collision, 37% reported moderate to sever low back pain 6 weeks later.”

“…residents who reported being injured in a traffic accident, where they were treated or filed an auto insurance claim within 30 days, 60.4% reported low back pain.”

“Our results suggest that the incidence of troublesome LBP is higher in individuals who have had a past low back injury in a MVC compared to those who have not had a low back injury in a MVC.”