There are many various causes that can result in injury or pain to the lower back. Most often, pain in the lower back is due to a muscle strain or pull. However, injury or deterioration to the discs may also result in lower back pain. Any type of trauma may lead to a person experiencing lower back pain. These include motor vehicle accidents, falls and direct blows to the back. There are other causes for lower back pain and these include a ruptured disc, occupation (i.e. sitting or standing for long periods of time), being overweight, tumors or infections of the back. Occasional a person could experience back pain without a definitive causative reason.

Accident victims with a lower back injury may complain of pain in the lower back. Pain may occur immediately following an incident or take hours after the injury to develop. Lower back pain can be described from a mildly aching to severe, limiting pain that does not allow a person to continue with their normal activities. Injured persons may also experience pain shooting down their leg, buttocks or thigh. This is often as a result of compression or pinching of the sciatic nerve. If the pain is due to a muscular reason, a person may often experience a worsening of the pain with movement, sneezing, or coughing.

Accident victims with ruptured or herniated discs often experience excruciating pain with numbness or pain radiating down the buttocks, thigh and leg. Discs are a soft cartilage material between the vertebras that allows for padding and shock absorption. The discs allow the back to movement and bend freely, providing cushioning between the bony structures of the spine. Natural degeneration due to age, repetitive poor posture or an accident or back injury may result in a weakening of the discs. Each disc has a soft fluid type material that begins to bulge through the cartilage when the disc has been weakened. This is often referred to as a “bulging disc.” Any incident could result in this bulging disc to completely rupture through, resulting in a ruptured disc. Often, severe pain is a result of the rupture.

Physical therapy rest and medications is often prescribed to accident victims with back injuries and pain. Physical therapy is often prescribed to assist with strengthening back muscles. Treatment and care may include a back brace and utilize hot or cold packs to the area. However, a severely injured person with continued pain after physical therapy may require surgery if they sustained a ruptured disc.

Always get prompt medical attention for yourself or anyone suffering a back injury. If you, a friend, or loved one have wrongfully suffered from a back injury, you ask why, and take immediate steps to protect your or their legal interest. Consider the suggestions in our accident guide, and call us immediately. We are here to help. At Larry King, P.C., we recognize the unique issues pertaining accident victims. You can call us at (757) 595-8100 seven days a week, 24 hours a day, everyday of the year. We also offer a free legal-infoline service, and you can now contact us on this web site. We are committed to doing the extra things it takes to help our clients.