Is Full Recovery Possible?
Common injuries following a car accident include damage to the back and spine of varying severity. Slipped, dislocated, or shattered discs may cause agonizing pain, numbness, or paralysis depending on the extent of the damage. Even injuries to back muscles can be extremely painful and linger.
Is a full recovery, to the point where you can once again enjoy life to the fullest, even possible? The very short answer: maybe.
Medical and Other Back Injury Treatments
One of the biggest challenges when it comes to back and spine injuries is that there are many different kinds, which affect individuals in different ways. There are also numerous treatment options that may be prescribed by the doctors with whom you consult, and some may be more (or less) effective depending on your specific injury.
Please note the following possible treatment options are not intended as medical advice. Consult with and follow the recommendations of your physicians and specialists when seeking treatment after your car crash.
- Pressure on nerves caused by a herniated or dislocated disc can cause extreme pain. This may be alleviated by taking over-the-counter (OTC) or prescribed anti-inflammatories in combination with pain relievers. Using heating pads and/or ice packs may also ease discomfort.
- Muscular strains and damage may also respond to OTC or prescribed pain relievers in combination with muscle relaxants. And again, using heat or icing targeted areas may provide relief.
- You will likely be told to rest and avoid bending, lifting, and similar activities in the immediate aftermath of the accident. Finding the right position and enough support to rest comfortably will likely be a challenge, for which your doctor may suggest using a pillow between your legs, and special cushions and back support wedges for sitting.
- While bedrest and avoiding physical activities might help initially, you cannot remain sedentary if you want to recover as much range of motion and functional ability as possible. You can expect to be prescribed physical therapy and exercises to gradually increase mobility and strengthen muscles. To support your overall physical condition, you might be put on a diet to help you lose weight or receive recommendations to avoid certain foods known to aggravate inflammation.
- In some cases, you might have to undergo surgery to repair significant spinal damage. Back surgery is often a last resort but may be the only way to avoid permanent outcomes like paralysis, loss of sensation, and extreme chronic pain.
After Suffering a Back Injury, Contact Your Car Accident Lawyer
Injuries affecting your spine and back can derail your life. When they’re suffered because of the negligent actions of another driver, it’s time to call Scott J. Corwin, A Professional Law Corporation. Make sure you can afford any and all treatment prescribed by medical professionals so you can make as full a recovery as possible.
Contact our office today by calling (310) 683-2300 or filling out the online contact form to discuss the details of your case and learn more about how we can help you. We offer free consultations, so there’s no reason not to reach out to someone from our team right away.
