Lumbar sprains are a possibility after a Tampa car accident and occur when a sudden and excessive force causes the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the back to stretch too much, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. The intensity of the pain and its effects on someone’s daily activities depend on multiple factors, including the general health of the person before the sprain occurred.

Herniated discs can also be caused by auto accidents in Tampa. Such injuries affect your backbone, which has discs between the vertebrae that serve as cushions against trauma. However, a sudden jolt from a car accident can rupture one or more discs and cause back pain. While a skilled doctor can often diagnose a herniated or “bulging” disc through a simple exam, sometimes an MRI is required, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Fractures or “broken bones” can also occur after a car accident in Tampa. When it comes to the neck and back, the location and intensity of the break is critical to the level of treatment required and the outcome, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Fractures that do not require emergency treatment can still cause moderate to severe pain, especially when the vertebrae are involved.