Low-velocity motor vehicle collision characteristics associated with claimed low back pain

Objective: Up to 50% of individuals involved in low-velocity motor vehicle collisions report low back pain (LBP). A major limitation in such cases is the lack of knowledge of injury mechanisms linking the collision characteristics to the pain and pathology associated with LBP reporting. Thus, the objective of this investigation was to characterize the physical circumstances of low-velocity motor vehicle collisions that resulted in claims of LBP. Methods: Eighty-three forensically assessed cases were analyzed to identify specific collision and claimant characteristics. Results: Seventy-seven percent of reviewed cases involved a claim of LBP. Of these LBP claim cases, 70% of cases involved a rear-end collision configuration, and 40% of all cases were low-velocity collisions, with severities ranging between 10 and 12 km/h. The most common pre-existing medical condition was prior LBP or evidence of disc degeneration. Conclusions: The results of this investigation provide knowledge of collision characteristics that can be employed in future studies on the mechanisms of low back injury in low-speed motor vehicle collisions.