Causes and Remedies For Cervical Spine Injury

Because of the inherent seriousness of the injury, a cervical spine injury immediately calls up the possibility of whether there is justification for legal action. A person sustaining such an injury may experience prolonged pain, paralysis, or even death. In cases where liability can be established, the cost of rehabilitation or assisted living care can often be recovered from the party responsible for causing the injury.

Possible Causes of Spinal Injury

A cervical spine injury can be caused by many different things:

Traffic accident
Diving into shallow water
Violent contact sports (American football, ice hockey, and rugby)
Even non-contact sports, such as downhill skiing, surfing, horse back riding, and motor vehicle racing.

Traffic and motor vehicle accidents make up ½ (50%) of all spinal cord injuries in the U.S.; followed by a fall from significant height (20%); and sports-related injuries (15%).

Severe neck and back pain can also be the result of a number of possible diseases, including degenerative disk disease, osteoporosis, or even cancer that has begun to affect the bones.

Some Remedies to Try

It is a bad idea to try moving someone immediately after they have sustained or may have sustained any neck or back injury. Premature movement of the spine or neck can make the injury worse by further severing or tearing the spinal cord. If you must move the person (for example: out of a burning car), keep the head and neck as still as possible. Use a flat board to immobile the neck, and get medical help as quickly as possible.

After the injured person has been transported by certified medical professionals, the recovery process can begin. Depending on the location and severity of the spine injury, treatment may include a application of ice, a cervical brace, traction, up to 3 months in a body cast, or surgery. If the spinal cord has not been injured, physical or occupational therapy may prove helpful in strengthening the muscles of the neck and can help restore up to 100% of head and neck mobility. Regular, professionally supervised exercise can also help reduce pain.

Palliative care (care aimed at reducing pain) may include muscle relaxants to powerful painkillers, depending on the patient's needs.

Getting Legal Help

This article is intended for informational purposes only. If you or someone you know has sustained a cervical spine or neck injury, you should contact an attorney immediately to make sure that you receive accurate legal advice.

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