Back and Neck Injury

Back and neck injuries are the second most common reason people visit the doctor and are the most frequent reason people miss work. Injuries to the neck and back can take a number of forms, and can involve the muscle, ligaments, spine or other joints or tissues. Some back and neck injuries result from repeated small injuries, improper posture, or general bad habits (such as improper lifting or bending), but the most traumatic injuries usually come from accidents, such as automobile accidents, slip and falls, occupational accidents, etc.

Because the back and neck are fairly complex, structurally speaking, they can be easy to damage in a traumatic situation. If the spine or head moves too quickly or abruptly in a back and forth, side to side, or twisting fashion, you can tear soft tissues, rupture the discs that cushion vertebrae, or even damage or sever the spinal cord. While most back and neck injuries merely present a nuisance, some forms of back and neck injuries, especially those involving the spine, can result in debilitating pain or even paralysis. Severe back and neck injuries include: spinal cord injury, slipped/herniated discs, compression fractures, and whiplash. Other serious back and neck injuries exist, but these are by far the most commonly reported.

Back and neck injuries, depending upon their severity and the length of time required for recovery, can result in enormous medical bills. Emergency treatment, medical examinations, surgeries, therapy, rehabilitation devices, prescription pain relievers-the costs can add up quickly. To compound the situation, back and neck injuries frequently limit or entirely the ability of the individual to work. Loss of income, physical pain, and mounting bills can lead to further problems, including depression, psychological trauma, and other adverse effects on quality of life.

If your back or neck injury occurred during a car accident, a violent attack, or an accident in a public space or work environment, you may be entitled to recover the cost of your medical treatment, lost wages, and other damages related to your injury. You may want to have an attorney familiar with back and neck injury law review your case and advise you as to your best course of action.