A Complete Look At Back Injuries–Part 4

It is not enough to understand the causes of back pain, the types of back injuries, or the problems that you can experience as a result of trauma to your spinal cord or soft tissues.  You must also know what to do if you experience an injury to your back as a result of an accident.  Whether the injury was caused by a fall, a vehicle crash, or through some other means, it is very important that you take steps to protect yourself and secure your right to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other costs.

What To Do After A Back Injury Accident

After any type of personal injury accident, particularly one involving the back, it is very important to be seen by a licensed medical professional.  If you are in a car accident, your next stop should be a doctor’s office or emergency room, even if you do not think you are seriously injured.  This is an important step that will help you protect your rights if you begin to experience discomfort or pain at a later time.

If the doctor examining you finds that your back has been injured, he or she may refer you to a specialist.  An orthopedic specialist is a doctor who works with joint or bone injuries and often handles cases involving back or spinal trauma.  While an orthopedic doctor primarily focuses on bone injuries, he or she may also handle your soft tissue problems.

Your orthopedic specialist may request certain tests, such as an X-ray or MRI, to determine if there is damage to your discs, joints, or other areas.  He or she may also want you to avoid certain activities such as lifting heavy loads or engaging in strenuous exercise for a period of time.  It is important to follow all instructions given to you by the doctor not only to protect your claim but also to avoid exacerbating your injury or harming yourself further.

Back Injury Treatment

Back pain after an accident may be treated in several different ways, depending on the location of the injury, how severe it is, and the type of trauma sustained.  Treatments may include:

• Supports such as a back brace. Sometimes, artificial supports can offer you temporary relief while your body heals.  Back braces and other devices may be prescribed to help you avoid strain while your back repairs itself.
• Stretching and yoga. Some exercises, such as stretching or yoga, have been shown to be very beneficial in helping patients recover after an accident.
• Physical therapy. Physical therapy may be an excellent way to build up strength after a back injury.  Many physical therapy methods can restore movement and relieve pain from back trauma.
• Bed rest. In some cases, bed rest is required to recover from a back injury.  In these cases, bed rest may be prescribed for a specific period of time or until certain recovery goals have been met.
• In very serious cases, back problems may require corrective surgery.  Of course, surgery may lead to long recovery times, with the patient having an extended period of rest required after the operation.
• Anti-inflammatory medications and corticosteroid injections are just two of the types of medicines available to those suffering from back trauma.  Doctors can prescribe a number of treatments to help patients recover more quickly.

If you have been in an accident, it is important to seek professional support for your injury claim.  At Barber & Associates, we are ready to work with you to ensure that your rights are protected and you receive the proper treatment for your back injury.  Give us a call today!