Surgery may be better option for a serious auto accident back injury
A back injury is one of the most common problems suffered following an auto accident. For over 35 years, our auto accident lawyers have represented those injured in vehicle collisions and most of the time the injury heals within 6 to 12 weeks with active treatment and physical therapy. However, many accident victims are left with permanent back problems which require extensive care and treatment to manage their chronic pain. A recent study seems to indicate that chronic back problems may be more effectively treated with surgery, rather than long term pain management.
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Treatment for an auto accident back injury often begins with physical therapy or chiropractic treatment. In more severe cases, individuals may require cortisone injections, painkillers or surgery. Many are reluctant to undergo back surgery, and end up with residual problems that limit their ability to work or return to the active lifestyle they enjoyed before the injury.
According to a study published earlier this month in the New England Journal of Medicine, back surgery may be twice as effective as physical therapy and medication in relieving pain and improving mobility for those with back problems. This could lead to doctors having more confidence in recommending surgery to their patients following auto collisions and may provide some scientific evidence to reassure those considering back surgery.
This is the first large-scale study to evaluate the outcomes for those who undergo surgery and those who go with non-surgical back treatment options. The study did not specifically evaluate back injuries from auto accidents, but reviewed the results of a condition known as degenerative spondylolisthesis with spinal stenosis , which affects over half a million people in the United States.
AUTO ACCIDENT BACK INJURY LAWYERS
Eric Saiontz is a Maryland auto accident lawyer who is also licensed in Virginia and Pennsylvania. If you, a friend or family member were injured in an auto accident in the mid-Atlantic, request a free claim evaluation.
