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No Cameras in the Delivery Room? The Disturbing Truth Behind the Ban

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Back Pain, Be Gone! Important Information for Back Pain Sufferers

One of the most reported injuries of car accident victims is back pain. Though many causes of back pain exist, any kind of accident involving trauma to the body can severely affect the condition of one’s back. Before, during, and after you experience intense or even moderate levels of back pain, you should follow some important guidelines and steps to ensure that your back becomes as healthy and as strong as possible. For your own back’s protection, keep the following tips in mind:

1. Work towards building a strong, healthy back and body. The condition of your back muscles will affect your overall mobility and the degree to which your spine is supported. Exercising enables you to increase your back’s flexibility and strength, decreasing the chances of serious injury to your spine. Despite today’s emphasis on "working out" and becoming toned, far less attention has been given to strengthening one’s back muscles than toward obtaining "washboard" or "six-pack" abs. Stronger abs will increase the amount of protection your body provides for your back, but the muscles in your back themselves must also be strong if you are serious about avoiding injury. Unless your doctor provides some reason for you to avoid exercising and building muscle, this step is key in protecting your spine.

2. Pay attention to your body. Your body gives you signals constantly. Depending upon your activity, you may experience very mild pain in your back, which may be normal. If you experience pain on a regular basis, however, no matter how mild it may be, you should consult a physician. Chronic pain could be a symptom of a back injury that needs to be treated, and only a specialized doctor can determine whether your back has torn muscle tissue, decreased bone density, or another condition. Diagnosing back pain, especially lower back pain, can be extremely difficult. A medical professional will consider the location and symptoms of your pain and recommend the best treatment option for you.

3. Continue to care for your back, even if a significant amount of time has elapsed since the accident caused the injury. I noticed a sign at a local chiropractor’s office recently that read, "Five Dangerous Words: Maybe It Will Go Away." The sign rings true: failure to seek treatment on the assumption that chronic pain will disappear can be extremely dangerous. In fact, even after seeking treatment and experiencing relief from injury, noticeable pain can still occur. A recent study found that most trauma patients experience moderately severe pain even one year after the date of their accidents, with backs among the most painful areas. Not only may this after-injury pain lead to disability, but also post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. By resuming treatment when necessary, you may avoid these difficult effects as well as lasting symptoms of back pain.

Maintaining a healthy back and spine is more valuable than many realize. If you have suffered a back or spinal injury, consult a medical professional as soon as possible. If an accident in which another party was at fault caused the injury, contact us, Murphy & Associates, at 770-577-3020 for a free consultation. You may receive compensation for your injury.