Common Causes of Spine and Back Injuries
Spine and back injuries, particularly those that affect the spinal cord, are some of the most serious and ultimately catastrophic injuries that a victim can suffer in an accident. In many cases, a spine and back injury may require multiple surgeries, medical devices, and significant rehabilitation without the promise of a full recovery. The experienced personal injury attorneys at Mitch Grissim & Associates have represented many clients with spine and back injuries that have been caused by many different types of accidents. If you would like to learn more about compensation for your injuries, call or contact us today in Nashville to schedule a free case consultation.
Auto Accidents
Auto accidents are the most common cause of spine and back injuries in the United States. They account for nearly half of all spine injuries annually and include back injuries from car, truck, and motorcycle accidents. Auto accidents can cause a range of injuries from minor whiplash in the upper vertebrae to a severed spinal cord and paralysis.
Falls
Falls are another cause of spine and back injuries in Tennessee every year. The significant construction taking place across the city causes back and spine injuries for construction workers and others working on dangerous sites. However, this is not the only place where spine and back injuries are caused by falls, as slip and fall accidents also are a common cause of this type of injury in parking lots, restaurants, grocery stores, movie theaters, shopping malls, and other places around the city.
Disease Or Illness
Disease or illness can have a serious impact on the spine and can cause damage to the spinal cord. Risk factors for spinal cord injury include age, lifestyle habits, genetics, and trauma. Spinal cord damage occurs when the spinal column is compressed, stretched, or cut, resulting in disruption of the nerve cells that control muscle movement and sensation. Symptoms of spinal cord damage include severe pain, numbness, tingling, and paralysis.
Spinal injuries can range from mild to severe. In an incomplete injury, some of the nerve cells in the spinal cord remain intact, allowing for some sensation and muscle movement. In a complete injury, all of the nerve cells in the spinal cord are damaged and the victim experiences complete paralysis. Spinal injuries can also affect other parts of the body, such as the pelvic organs, bladder, and blood pressure.
When an injury occurs, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. A medical evaluation can help determine the extent of the injury, as well as the best treatment options available. Treatment for spinal cord injuries can include physical therapy, medication, and surgery. In some cases, a spinal cord injury can be prevented by taking steps to reduce the risk of trauma, such as wearing a seatbelt when driving or using protective gear when participating in sports.
Spinal cord injuries can have a major impact on an individual’s life, so it is important to be aware of the risks and take steps to reduce them. Knowing the common causes of spinal cord injuries, such as motor vehicle accidents, and taking appropriate preventative measures can help reduce the risk of such injuries and improve overall health.
Inadequate Posture
Spine and back injuries are a major cause of disability and pain for many people. A cause of spine and back injuries include slips and falls, vehicle accidents, workplace accidents, repetitive motion injury, sports injury, heavy lifting, poorly constructed furniture, disease or illness, aging and degenerative diseases, and inadequate posture.
The spine is a complex structure that consists of bones, ligaments, muscles, and the spinal cord. A spinal cord injury can result from any of the causes listed above and can range from mild to severe. It is important to take measures to prevent such injuries from occurring in the first place, as they can have serious and long-lasting effects.
Spine and back injuries can lead to various levels of disability, depending on the severity of the injury. For example, a mild spinal cord injury may result in temporary numbness or tingling, while more severe spinal cord injuries can cause paralysis and loss of sensation. It is also possible for a spinal cord injury to lead to more serious and permanent disabilities, such as paralysis or loss of bladder or bowel control.
It is important to be aware of the causes of spine and back injuries, as they can be prevented in many cases. Wearing protective gear when engaging in activities such as sports or heavy lifting can help reduce the risk of injury, as can using ergonomic furniture and maintaining good posture. Regular exercise can also help maintain spinal health and reduce the risk of spinal cord injuries.
It is also important to seek medical attention if you experience any symptoms of a spinal cord injury. Symptoms such as pain, numbness, or tingling should not be ignored and can indicate a more serious underlying condition. Early diagnosis and treatment of a spinal cord injury can help reduce the severity of the condition and improve the chances of recovery.
Spinal cord injuries can have a major impact on an individual’s life, so it is important to take steps to protect yourself from injury. Being aware of the common causes of spine and back injuries and taking preventative measures can help reduce the risk of spinal cord injuries and improve your overall health.
Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury
Traumatic spinal cord injuries (TSCIs) are a type of injury that can occur as a result of motor vehicle accidents, falls, or other forms of trauma. They are a leading cause of disability and death and can have a devastating impact on a person’s life. TSCIs can range from mild to severe and can cause a variety of symptoms including back pain, numbness, paralysis, and loss of sensation.
Most spinal cord injuries are the result of motor vehicle accidents and can be classified as either complete or incomplete. In a complete spinal cord injury, the victim is completely paralyzed, while in an incomplete spinal cord injury, some motor and sensory functions may remain intact. The severity of a spinal cord injury often depends on the location and extent of the injury, as well as the type of trauma that caused it.
Acute spinal cord injuries are those that occur suddenly and are often the result of a motor vehicle accident or fall. These types of injuries can be very serious, as they can cause permanent damage to the spinal cord. Symptoms of an acute spinal cord injury can include back pain, paralysis, loss of sensation, and difficulty with bladder or bowel control. It is important to seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms, as they could indicate a more serious underlying condition.
There is no cure for a spinal cord injury, but there are treatments available to help reduce the severity of the condition and improve the quality of life of those affected. Physical therapy, medication, and surgery can all be used to help manage the symptoms of a spinal cord injury. In some cases, a spinal cord injury can also be prevented by taking steps to reduce the risk of trauma, such as wearing a seatbelt when driving or using protective gear when participating in sports.
Spinal cord injuries can have a major impact on an individual’s life, so it is important to be aware of the risks and take steps to reduce them. Knowing the common causes of spinal cord injuries, such as motor vehicle accidents, and taking appropriate preventative measures can help reduce the risk of such injuries and improve overall health.
Gunshot Wounds
Gunshot wounds are a serious medical condition that can have a major impact on an individual’s life. It is essential to seek immediate medical attention after a gun injury occurs in order to ensure the best possible outcome. During a medical evaluation, a healthcare provider will take a detailed medical history, assess the injury, and develop a treatment plan with a rehabilitation team.
Physical therapy is an essential part of the recovery process after a gunshot injury. A physical therapist can work with the patient to help regain essential functions and rebuild strength and mobility. Depending on the severity of the injury, the physical therapist may focus on activities such as range of motion exercises, stretches, and strength training. They may also provide education on proper body mechanics, ergonomics, and personal safety.
In addition to physical therapy, a healthcare provider may also prescribe medication, such as pain medications or muscle relaxers, to reduce pain and improve mobility. In some cases, surgery may be recommended to repair tissue or bone damage. After treatment is completed, the patient will continue to work with the rehabilitation team to ensure the best possible outcome.
It is important to remember that gunshot wounds can have a major impact on an individual’s life. It is essential to seek medical attention and follow the treatment plan prescribed by a healthcare provider. In addition, physical therapy and other forms of rehabilitation can help the patient regain essential functions and improve quality of life. By following the instructions and advice given by a healthcare provider, individuals can improve their physical and emotional well-being and increase their personal safety.
Acts of Violence
Intentional acts of violence are also a cause of back and spine injuries. Around thirteen percent of all spine and back injuries are caused by violence every year, which usually involves either a blunt object wound or a knife wound. Many people do not realize that civil penalties are available to the victims of intentional violence in addition to criminal consequences.
What Places a Person at Increased Risk?
According to the Mayo Clinic, there are certain factors that make a person more likely to sustain a spine or back injury in an accident. Males account for eighty percent of all spine and back injuries every year, and a victim is more likely to suffer this type of injury between the ages of sixteen and thirty years old. For spine and back injuries that happen because of falls, victims over the age of 65 years old are more at risk. Having a bone or joint disorder before the accident also makes a person more at risk for a spine or back injury than the typical accident victim.
To Learn More, Call Our Office Now
If you or a loved one has suffered a back or spine injury in an accident, you require the best legal representation for your case. Call the office or contact us now at Mitch Grissim & Associates to schedule a free case consultation with one of our experienced Nashville personal injury lawyers today.
