How Can Back and Spine Injuries Affect a Person’s Well-Being?

 Posted on May 09, 2023 in Personal Injury

Injuries that affect the back and spine are among the most debilitating forms of bodily harm one can suffer. These injuries can impact a person's physical health, and they can also affect their mental, emotional, and financial well-being. Back injuries can vary in nature and severity, ranging from minor strains to serious and life-threatening fractures or spinal cord injuries. When these catastrophic injuries are caused by other parties, such as a negligent driver who was responsible for a car accident that resulted in a severed spinal cord, an injury victim will need to determine their options for pursuing compensation that will allow them to recover as much as possible and address their ongoing needs.

Effects of Back and Spinal Cord Injuries

A person's back may be seriously injured in a fall, a motor vehicle collision, or other dangerous situations. Multiple parts of the back may be affected, including the muscles, ligaments, and tendons, as well as the vertebrae in the spine and the nerves in the spinal cord. These injuries may result in multiple types of bodily harm, including:

• Fractured vertebrae - The bones in the spine provide support that allows a person to stand upright and move around, and they also protect the nerves in the spinal cord. If the impact of a collision or fall causes these bones to be fractured, a person may experience a great deal of pain, limited mobility, or even paralysis. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the broken vertebrae or implant rods, pins, or screws that will keep the bones of the spine in place.

• Damaged or severed spinal cord - When the nerves in the central nervous system are damaged, this can result in partial or complete paralysis, as well as severe pain, tingling sensations, loss of mobility, inability to control the bladder or bowels, and other issues. Different body parts may be affected depending on the location of the injury. Injuries to the lower back may lead to paralysis in the lower body, while injuries in the upper back or neck may result in paralysis of both the upper and lower body.

• Slipped or herniated discs: The discs in the spine cushion and separate the vertebrae, ensuring that a person can move their body correctly and without pain. When a disc slips out of place due to a serious impact, or when a disc ruptures and presses against the spine, a person may experience immense pain, numbness, and an inability to move their back or other parts of their body. This type of injury often requires physical therapy and medication to manage the pain. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

• Muscle strains and sprains: The wrenching motion that may occur in a collision or fall can damage the muscles in the back, as well as other tissues, such as tendons and ligaments. These types of strains or sprains can be very painful, impacting a person's daily activities and potentially leading to a loss of income if they are unable to perform work-related tasks.

Contact Our Greenwich Back Injury Lawyers

Back and spine injuries can have serious, long-term effects on your health and well-being. With the right medical treatment and therapies, you may be able to heal from your injuries and maintain a good quality of life. However, the costs of treatment can often be very high, and if your ability to work and earn an income has been affected, you may encounter financial difficulties. At Ivey, Barnum & O'Mara, LLC, our Fairfield County spinal cord injury attorneys can help you take the proper steps to receive compensation for your injuries, ensuring that you will be able to recover successfully. Contact our firm at 203-661-6000 to set up a complimentary consultation.

Sources:

https://www.shepherd.org/patient-programs/spinal-cord-injury/about

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/herniated-disk/symptoms-causes/syc-20354095

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10265-back-strains-and-sprains