Why hasn't my lower back pain gone away on its own?

Lower back pain that lingers is often being kept going by ongoing muscle guarding, joint stiffness or a structure that has not been properly identified and loaded correctly during recovery. An assessment helps clarify what is driving the pain so treatment can target it directly, rather than waiting and hoping it settles.

Is lower back pain treatment covered under CTP?

Treatment for lower back pain caused by your accident may be available under a CTP claim where it is reasonable and necessary. The exact rules depend on your circumstances and the scheme, so it is best to check SIRA. We can provide the medical documentation that supports your treatment.

Do I need an MRI for lower back pain after a crash?

Not usually. Most lower back pain after a motor vehicle accident is assessed and managed clinically. Imaging is generally reserved for cases where the examination suggests a disc or nerve issue, or where pain is not responding to appropriate treatment over a reasonable period.

Can I keep driving with lower back pain?

Many people can continue driving short distances with lower back pain, but prolonged sitting often aggravates lumbar pain. Your doctor can advise on activity modification and, where relevant, provide documentation about your capacity for driving or work while you recover.

Injuries

Lower Back Pain After a Car Accident

Persistent lumbar pain that limits sitting, driving or standing needs a proper assessment — not just time.

Book an appointment (02) 7238 7379

A physiotherapist guiding a patient through a back mobility movement

Understanding lower back pain

Lower back pain is one of the most common complaints after a motor vehicle accident, usually caused by muscle strain, ligament sprain or joint irritation in the lumbar spine from bracing, seatbelt loading or the impact itself. It can make sitting for a drive, standing at work or simply getting out of bed uncomfortable, and it sometimes settles slowly or seems to plateau rather than steadily improve. Because lower back pain can come from several different structures — muscle, joint, disc or nerve — an assessment helps work out what is actually driving the pain so treatment is targeted rather than generic. Getting assessed early also creates a clear record for your CTP claim.

Common symptoms

Symptoms can take hours or days to appear after a crash. If you notice any of these, it's worth being assessed.

Dull or aching pain across the lower back
Pain that worsens with prolonged sitting or driving
Stiffness getting out of bed or up from a chair
Muscle tightness or spasm in the lower back
Pain that eases with movement but returns with rest
Difficulty bending, twisting or lifting
Pain that spreads into the buttock but not further down the leg

Quick check

Not sure if it's serious?

Check my symptoms (02) 7238 7379

How we help

We assess your lower back pain by telehealth across NSW, or in person where appropriate — your doctor will confirm which suits your injury, and a first assessment generally involves a hands-on examination. We document your symptoms, function and the impact on sitting, driving and work in a way that supports your CTP claim. Where appropriate, we provide the medical certification the scheme requires and arrange imaging if the findings suggest a disc or nerve issue rather than a muscular one. We help coordinate physiotherapy and exercise physiology to build back tolerance for sitting and lifting again. CTP Doctor is a medical service, not a law firm — this is general information, not legal advice, and questions about liability or entitlements are best directed to an independent solicitor.

Treatment approach

1CTP medical assessment and Certificate of Fitness
2Clinical examination to identify whether pain is muscular, joint-related or disc-related
3Document symptoms, function and impact for the CTP claim
4Coordinate physiotherapy for manual therapy and graded exercise
5Arrange exercise physiology for core strength and lumbar reconditioning
6Review progress and escalate to imaging or specialist referral if pain persists

When to see a doctor

Seek assessment if lower back pain is not settling after a week or two, is limiting your ability to sit, drive or work, or is affecting your sleep. Get assessed urgently, or call 000, if you develop numbness in the saddle area, loss of bladder or bowel control, or leg weakness, as these can indicate a serious nerve problem.

Not an emergency? Book an assessment. If symptoms are severe or worsening, call 000.

Related services

CTP Medical Assessment CTP Physiotherapy CTP Exercise Physiology

Frequently asked questions

Next step

See a CTP doctor about it

Often seen within the week. Telehealth across NSW, or in person where appropriate. No claim number needed to start.

Book an appointment (02) 7238 7379