Back Pain: Getting Compensated For An Injury

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Back pain is one of the most frequent complaints you hear from people. Studies show that four out of five Canadians will experience some degree of back pain at least once in their lives. A slip on an icy sidewalk and lifting something heavy at work are only two of the many causes of mild to debilitating back pain in adults that could prevent you from going to work or leading a normal and active life. When your back pain is the result of an injury, you could be entitled to compensation depending upon how the injury occurred.

Understanding the Complex Structure of the Back

Your back is a combination of ligaments, bones, discs, tendons and muscles all working together that allow you to walk, stand, sit, lift and engage in all of the activities you do on a daily basis without giving any thought to them until something goes wrong. When problems arise, identifying the cause and developing a treatment plan to alleviate the pain and discomfort can be difficult.

The nerves encased and protected by the vertebrae of the spinal column allow for the transmission of information to and from the brain and other organs and systems of your body. An injury to the spinal cord, the name for this bundle of nerves, could cause paralysis or death.

Each vertebra is separated by a disc containing gelatinous material to cushion. An injury to one of the discs may cause a bulging or rupturing of the cushioning material causing severe pain and seriously restricting movement.

Common Injuries to the Back and Spine

Typical injuries to the various components of the back include the following:

• Bulging discs
• Herniated or ruptured discs
• Strains and sprains
• Fractures

Doctors frequently rely upon X-rays, MRIs and CT scans in the diagnosis process to determine the extent and cause of the pain, discomfort and limitation of movement experienced by a patient. Depending upon the findings, the recommended course of treatment could include:

• Surgery
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Pain relievers
• Physical therapy and exercise
• Rest

Severe back pain may require long-term care, including pain management. Depending upon the extent of the injury and the pain, a victim could be unable to return to work or engage in normal physical activities for an extended period of time.

Causes of Injuries to the Back

Back injuries are common in motor vehicle accidents. The violent nature of a crash exerts tremendous force on the bones, muscles and ligaments of the back and neck. The force with which a body is tossed about during a collision may cause bones to fracture and muscles and ligaments to tear.

Car crashes are not the only way for a person to suffer a serious and debilitating back injury. Other situations that could cause an injury to the back or spinal cord include:

• Work-related accidents
• Sports injuries, including skiing and hockey
• Falls, including slipping and falling on icy or snow-covered sidewalks and parking areas

Back injuries suffered in a work-related activity could entitle you to benefits through the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board. If your injury is the result of an accident not related to work, you could seek compensation through a claim against the party whose negligence caused the accident, including a property owner whose failure to maintain his or her property caused you to slip and fall.

Ontario Personal Injury Lawyers

The personal injury lawyers at Diamond & Diamond have years of experience successfully handling claims for compensation by people suffering injuries on the job or through the negligent conduct of others. If you suffer a back injury and need to file a claim, you should speak to one of our lawyers. Call the Diamond & Diamond 24/7 injury hotline at 1-800-567-HURT or visit our website to speak to someone now. We offer free consultations and case evaluations to injury victims throughout Ontario