Severe Lower Back Pain After Car Accident in Denver: Lumbar Radiculopathy / Sciatica

If you are experiencing severe lower back pain after a car accident in Denver – whether a serious collision on the I-70 or a relatively minor accident on a side street – you may be suffering from lumbar radiculopathy and accompanying sciatica.

Lumbar radiculopathy can result from sudden jarring or blunt trauma that causes disc herniation resulting in nerve root compression (a pinched nerve in the lower back), inflammation and/or irritation.

Sciatica is the name given to the mild to severe leg pain that accompanies the compression of the nerve roots. In injuries of this type, the leg pain is often greater than the back pain, causing injured persons to incorrectly self-diagnose their injuries.

Symptoms of Lumbar Radiculopathy

The following symptoms may indicate that you’re suffering from lumbar radiculopathy and sciatica and should seek medical attention.

  • Severe lower back pain after a car accident in Denver that also radiates in the legs or feet and increases when sitting, walking, sneezing, movement at the waist, etc.
  • Weakness, burning sensation, pins and needles, or tingling in the lower back or legs.

Speak with your doctor about these symptoms, what’s necessary to reach a diagnosis, and the treatment that may be available to relieve your symptoms.

Treatment for Lumbar Radiculopathy

Surgery is not often required for lumbar radiculopathy or sciatica symptoms, although in some cases it might be. Doctors typically try to treat severe lower back pain after a car accident in Denver, and accompanying symptoms, with a combination of therapies prior to considering surgical intervention.

Some common treatments used for sciatica pain and lumbar radiculopathy are listed below.

  • anti-inflammatory drugs.
  • spinal manipulation.
  • physical therapy and/or exercise.
  • massage therapy.
  • acupuncture.
  • epidural steroid injections.
  • heat and/or ice.
  • and, surgery (in extreme cases that resist other treatments).

Recovery Period for Lumbar Radiculopathy

The ramifications of this type of injury are varying. In serious cases, the severe lower back pain after a car accident in Denver can limit movement enough to make performing everyday tasks and work duties impossible. Extensive medical intervention and lengthy physical therapy could lead to a long recovery period. Lost wages and limited future earnings are possibilities.

In less serious cases, several weeks of spinal manipulation or other treatments could quickly remedy the discomfort, and regular activity could resume during the recovery phase.

There are degrees of suffering and recovery periods all over the spectrum with lumbar radiculopathy. Each individual is different, and if your car accident caused you great pain, don’t downplay your condition to doctors or insurance adjusters. It is important to describe your pain and mobility limitations accurately so that you can receive the treatment you need to heal.

Filing a Personal Injury Claim for Damages Related to Lower Back Pain

If you’re suffering from severe lower back pain after a car accident in Denver, there are many details to tend to. In addition, you may be concerned about issues such as when you can return to work, how your will pay your bills, who will care for your family and how long it will take to recover.

In cases like this, seek legal representation from a lawyer who can do a lot.

  • recover damages related to the accident.
  • establish fault and liability.
  • organize your documentation.
  • and, manage all communications related to your case.

D.J. Banovitz is an auto accident lawyer in Denver. Call us today to set up a free consultation to review your case. Call to schedule an appointment at 303-300-5060 or use our contact form to set up a consultation online.

D.J. Banovitz’ career has always concentrated on trial practice and he has litigated hundreds of cases. His passion and sole career focus has been to seek justice for people suffering from personal injuries as the result of someone else’s negligence. The hallmark of the Law Office of D.J. Banovitz, is the total commitment to professionalism, quality, and personalized care of your injury case. D.J. has dedicated his professional life to helping those most in need and is a proud and active member of the Colorado Trial Lawyers Association. His experience includes volunteering for Colorado Rural Legal Services in Montrose, the Colorado Aids Project, consumer law, family law, criminal defense, and Alternative Defense Counsel for juveniles in Denver.