It’s normal for people to feel sore after a motor vehicle collision. Back pain, in particular, is common after a car accident. However, while some back injuries resolve themselves with rest, others cause ongoing discomfort and long-term pain.

An automobile collision can affect the lumbar vertebrae (lower back), thoracic vertebrae (upper back), and cervical vertebrae (neck). Each area consists of tissues, nerves, ligaments, bones, tendons, and muscles extending from your neck to your pelvis.

With 33 vertebrae spine bones, 31 nerve roots, and 32 muscles in your neck and back, any damage can have long-lasting effects. The most common back injuries are to the lumbar spine, located in the lower back. There are five vertebrae in your lumbar spine, and soft discs with a soft nucleus and rugged outer ring sit between each of them.

Thoracic injuries are less common due to their rigid structure, but more serious as the upper back connects to the rib and chest region. Damage to one or more of these 12 vertebrae can affect your breathing, cause nerve damage, or lead to chronic pain. Strained, torn, or stretched cervical ligaments can also cause ongoing neck pain after a wreck.

Some severe injuries, such as soft tissue damage, may not appear immediately. Seeking immediate medical care can rule out critical issues and shorten your auto accident recovery time.