Lower Back Pain and Lumbar Sprain After a Traffic Accident
Table of Contents
Impact energy and lumbar injury
In a traffic accident, the energy of the collision is concentrated in the pelvis and lower back through the seatbelt. Especially in side or frontal collisions, the soft tissues at L4–L5 and the lumbosacral junction (L5–S1) absorb the most impact. Microscopic tears in the multifidus, quadratus lumborum, and iliopsoas muscles around the lumbar spine lead to acute lumbar sprain.
Disc irritation and radiating pain
In patients with pre-existing mild disc bulging, the impact of an accident can worsen disc herniation. When the herniated nucleus pulposus compresses a nerve root, radiating pain and numbness travel from the buttock down the leg. A positive straight leg raise (SLR) test suggests disc irritation.
Combined treatment — chuna, acupuncture, and pharmacopuncture
Lumbar chuna manipulation corrects displaced vertebrae and widens the intervertebral foramen, reducing nerve compression. At the same time, acupuncture is performed at Yaoyangguan (腰陽關), Dachangshu (大腸兪), and Huantiao (環跳) to restore qi and blood flow through the lumbar meridians. Shinbaro pharmacopuncture injected into the L4–L5 or L5–S1 Hyeopcheok points (夾脊穴) suppresses inflammation around the disc and reduces radiating pain.
Herbal medicine
In the acute phase, Danggwisusan (當歸鬚散) is used to clear blood stasis. From the subacute phase, treatment switches to Dokhwalgisaeng-tang (獨活寄生湯) to promote circulation around the lumbar spine and recovery of ligaments and muscles. When leg radiating pain is severe, Achyranthes (uxi, 牛膝) and Stephania (banggi, 防己) are added.
- Common injury sites: L4–L5, L5–S1
- Key acupoints: Yaoyangguan, Dachangshu, Huantiao, Hyeopcheok points
- Pharmacopuncture: Shinbaro pharmacopuncture (suppresses inflammation around the disc)
- Herbal medicine: Danggwisusan → Dokhwalgisaeng-tang (acute → subacute phase)