Diagnosing and Treating Back & Neck Injuries

Back and neck injuries are common in many accidents, including work, auto and premise injury cases. Many times the injuries require surgical intervention and may involve months and even years of recovery. These types of injuries can be frustrating for victims as physicians may opt to try non-surgical treatments first before eventually recommending surgery.

Diagnosing Neck And Back Injuries Sustained In Chicago Accidents

Back and neck injuries are one of the most controversial medical issues as far as diagnosing the problem and recommending treatment. Due to the complex nature of the back, neck and spinal cord and the many muscles, tendons, nerves and bones involved, it is not always a cut and dry case on what medical treatment will offer the patient the best outcome. 

The diagnosis by a physician usually involves combining the analysis of several diagnostic tests and a clinical evaluation of the symptoms and physical issues that are plaguing the patient. The tests that may be used are:

• X-Rays
• MRI
• CT Scans

Once the issue is diagnosed, then treatment options can be explored that would best treat the problem and offer long-term relief. For many back and neck injuries, there may be both surgical and non-surgical treatments to consider.

Surgical Treatment Options For Injuries to the Back & Neck

Common injuries to the back and neck are herniated discs or spinal compression fractures. While not all of these types of injuries require surgery, many times the pain and discomfort cannot be relieved through other methods of treatment. Some common surgeries and treatments that are recommended from these types of back/neck problems are:

• Spinal fusion. Spinal fusion surgery may be used to repair fractured vertebrae or herniated discs. The procedure involves fusing two or more vertebrae together with the use of a bone graft or metal implants. Patients generally stay in the hospital for a few days after surgery and then require rehabilitation for several months after.
• Laminotomy/Laminectomy. In both these procedures, the lamina, which is a spinal bone that covers the spinal cord, is partially or almost totally removed. This surgery is generally done to decompress the spinal cord or nerves. This can relieve pain from herniated discs or bone spurs.
• Vertebroplasty. For those with pain from spinal compression fractions, vertebroplasty is a minimally invasive surgery. Cement is injected into the vertebrae that are cracked or fractured to stabilize the bones. This procedure is generally outpatient.
• Epidural injection. For lower back pain, hip and leg pain caused by nerve pressure from a bulging disc or other abnormality in the spine, an epidural steroid injection may be used. These injections are non-evasive and have few complications, however, they do not fix the cause of the pain, only relieve it temporarily.

Many people suffer from back and neck injuries after being involved in an accident. These types of injuries are painful and often require ongoing medical treatment and even surgery. 

Our team of Illinois back injury attorneys at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC understands the pain and frustration that come with a back or neck injury as well as the high costs of treatment. Let us work with you to find out what compensation options you may have for your injury. Call us today to schedule a free consultation.

Back & Spine Injury Resources:

http://www.spine-health.com/treatment/diagnostic-tests/getting-accurate-back-pain-diagnosis

http://www.webmd.com/pain-management/guide/spinal-compression-fractures-treatments

http://www.webmd.com/back-pain/spinal-fusion-arthrodesis

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/007485.htm