Can a car accident cause scoliosis?
Motor Vehicles Accidents - October 16, 2025
While scoliosis is most often diagnosed in adolescents during growth spurts, a car accident can cause scoliosis in some situations. This is known as traumatic scoliosis, and it happens when a spinal injury from a crash changes the alignment of the spine, causing it to curve abnormally.
In other cases, a crash can make pre-existing scoliosis worse, leading to new or more severe symptoms. If you’re experiencing back pain after a collision, get checked out by a doctor, even if you’ve never been diagnosed with scoliosis before. A Joliet car accident attorney can help you understand your options if the injury affects your work or quality of life.
What is traumatic scoliosis?
Traumatic scoliosis is a sideways curve of the spine caused or worsened by a traumatic event, like a car crash. It’s not as common as other types of scoliosis, but it can happen when a collision damages vertebrae or surrounding muscles. When the spine becomes unstable or misaligned, it may gradually curve to one side, especially without proper treatment.
Unlike idiopathic scoliosis, which develops slowly during adolescence, traumatic scoliosis can start after a single event and get worse without warning.
How can a car accident lead to scoliosis?
During a crash, the force of impact can strain or twist the back in unnatural ways. This can cause:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Herniated discs
- Fractures or dislocations of vertebrae
- Severe muscle spasms or inflammation
These types of spinal injuries can throw off the body’s natural posture, forcing the spine to overcompensate. Over time, that imbalance can lead to a curvature of the spine, especially in the lumbar region, where many traumatic injuries occur.
A recent study published in The Spine Journal found that spinal trauma can cause significant long-term disability and often involves vertebral fractures and subluxations from falls and motor vehicle crashes. Although car accident-related injuries have declined slightly over time, they are still a major cause of spine trauma requiring ongoing treatment and rehabilitation.
What are the signs of scoliosis after a car accident?
Many people don’t recognize the symptoms of scoliosis right away. After a car accident, look for signs like:
- One shoulder or hip is higher than the other
- Uneven posture or trouble standing straight
- Ongoing back pain, especially on one side
- Muscle fatigue or tightness in the lower back
- Pain that worsens with activity or long periods of sitting
If you already had scoliosis before the accident, the crash may make the curve worse or cause new symptoms to appear.
Can I file a personal injury claim for scoliosis?
Yes, if the scoliosis or spinal condition was caused or made worse by the crash, you may be eligible to file a personal injury claim. This could include compensation for medical bills and ongoing care, lost wages from time off work, pain and suffering, and reduced quality of life
Insurance companies often argue that scoliosis is a pre-existing condition. That’s why it’s so important to have medical documentation showing the difference between your health before and after the crash. An experienced attorney can help gather this evidence and fight for fair compensation.
What if I had scoliosis before the accident?
Under Illinois law, injury victims may recover damages for the aggravation of a pre-existing condition caused by an accident. This legal principle is recognized in Illinois jury instructions, which allow compensation when an incident worsens an existing injury or medical issue, even if the condition was present before the accident occurred.
You’ll need to show a clear change in symptoms or disruptions to your daily life caused by the crash. A personal injury lawyer can work with your doctors to build a strong case.
When should I speak to a lawyer?
Spinal injuries can be complicated, and they often get worse over time. If you were in a crash and now have back pain or signs of scoliosis, it’s smart to talk to a lawyer as soon as possible. Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates has spent decades helping injured workers and families hold negligent drivers accountable.
Call (800) 985-1819 or contact us online to schedule your case review today.
