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Back injuries can disrupt your daily life in ways you might not expect. Simple movements like bending, walking, and even sitting can become painful and frustrating. While it’s no surprise that serious injuries can cause problems, even a minor strain can take a physical, emotional, and financial toll.
Back injuries can happen in a lot of ways. Some are sudden, while others develop over a period of time.
Car, truck, and motorcycle crashes are common culprits for trauma to the back. The sudden force of the impact can jolt the spine and cause whiplash, herniated discs, and even fractures in the spinal vertebrae. Pain doesn’t always show up immediately, so it’s important to get checked out after an accident, even if your back doesn’t hurt.
A lot of jobs involve a fair amount of bending and heavy lifting. Construction workers, nurses, and warehouse employees often suffer from back injuries while on the job, but even office workers can encounter problems. Poor posture and a lack of movement can lead to chronic pain over time, as can repetitive typing and computer use.
A hard fall can do serious damage to the back. Fractures, sprains, and spinal cord injuries can all come about after a slip on a wet floor or a fall down the stairs. Kids and older adults are especially at risk of getting hurt this way.
Arthritis, osteoporosis, degenerative disc disease, and other health conditions can slowly wear down the spine and make it more vulnerable to trauma. Aging often plays a role in back pain since the discs in the spine lose their cushioning over time.
Everyone experiences back pain differently, and the symptoms depend on the type and location of the injury. Generally, though, here’s what to watch for:
Ignoring these symptoms could make things worse. Some back injuries heal just fine at home, but it’s important to identify the injury and whether it needs medical intervention. Not treating an injury that requires intervention could worsen the damage and lead to longer recovery times.
Treatment generally depends on how bad the injury is. Many cases improve on their own with time and rest, but others could require more extensive measures.
Rest is usually the first thing to try for minor strains and sprains. Ice packs can help reduce swelling, and nonprescription painkillers may help with the discomfort. Keep in mind, though, that too much rest can actually slow down your recovery, so once the pain eases up, it’s best to start moving around gently.
When patients are dealing with severe pain, doctors might prescribe muscle relaxers, anti-inflammatory drugs, or even steroid injections to help with the pain and swelling.
For persistent pain, physical therapy can help strengthen muscles and improve your ability to get around. A therapist will guide patients through exercises that promote healing without causing any additional damage.
Some people find relief through chiropractic adjustments, which focus on spinal alignment. It can help with pain that’s caused by compressed nerves or when the vertebrae are misaligned.
Surgery is usually a last resort, but it could be necessary for patients with severe spinal damage, fractures, or herniated discs. Discectomies and spinal fusions can relieve the pain and help restore function.
You don’t have to make a trip to the doctor’s office every time you feel a twinge of pain in your back. Minor situations will often resolve themselves in a few days. However, certain signs shouldn’t be ignored. Get treatment if:
Early intervention can help you avoid future complications and facilitate a smoother recovery.
Back injuries can be debilitating, but you don’t have to fight for justice alone. If your back injury was caused in an accident by someone else’s negligence, contact Tillmann Law Personal Injury Lawyers to discuss your case at (503) 773-3333. We’ll help you fight for the compensation you need to recover and move forward.
