How Back and Spine Injuries Can Lead to Chronic Pain and Disabilities

 Posted on April 09, 2021 in Personal Injury

Injuries that affect the back can cause a great deal of difficulty in a person’s life. Back injuries can restrict a person’s movement, affect their ability to perform work-related activities, or even result in permanent disabilities. When these injuries are caused by someone else’s negligence, such as in a car accident or slip and fall, a victim can pursue compensation from the person or company who was responsible. If back injuries occur in the workplace, employees will usually be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Those who have suffered these types of injuries will want to understand the causes, symptoms, and treatments, as well as their legal options for addressing the damages they have suffered.

Types of Back Injuries

Back injuries may affect the vertebrae in the spine, the nerves in the spinal cord, or different muscles, tendons, and ligaments. The most serious injuries often involve damage to the spinal cord, which can result in partial or total paralysis in the parts of the body below the level of the spine where the injury occurred. Some common back injuries include:

• Fractured vertebrae - The bones in the spine protect the spinal cord, and they also allow a person to support their weight while walking upright. Vertebrae may be broken in a serious impact, such as a fall or a car crash, and this may damage the nerves in the spinal cord. If the spinal cord is severed, a person may suffer complete paralysis, including paraplegia or quadriplegia. While damage to the spinal cord is often irreparable, surgical procedures may be able to restore some function and repair the damaged vertebrae.
• Bulging, compressed, or ruptured discs - The discs in the spine serve as cushions between the vertebrae, and damage to these discs can cause pain when bones grind against each other. Stress on the spine can cause discs to rupture or bulge into unnatural positions, putting pressure on the spinal cord or other nerves and leading to chronic pain and loss of sensation. In some cases, surgery may be needed to repair damaged discs, or a person may receive treatments such as medications or physical therapy.
• Sprains and strains - Damage to the muscles, tendons, or ligaments in the back can occur due to a work-related accident, such as attempting to lift an item that is too heavy, or these injuries can build up over time due to repeated motion. While rest and anti-inflammatory medications may allow a person to recover from these injuries over a few days or weeks, in more serious cases, a person may require additional treatment, such as physical therapy.

Contact a Bloomingdale Back Injury Lawyer

Whether you have suffered a back injury because of someone else’s negligence or while you were at work, the Law Offices of David W. Clark, P.C. can provide the legal help you need. We will work with you to pursue a personal injury lawsuit or file a workers’ compensation claim, ensuring that you will have the financial resources to make a full recovery. Contact our Bloomingdale, IL spine injury attorney today at 630-665-5678 to set up a free consultation.

Sources:

https://www.stelizabeth.com/medical-services/spine-care/back-injury-types-symptoms-and-treatments

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/back-pain/symptoms-causes/syc-20369906

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/spinal-cord-injury/symptoms-causes/syc-20377890