A spine fracture is every bit as serious as it sounds. If you break your back, such as at your place of employment, you can expect this to change your life in many ways.
If you ever have reason to believe that you have injured your back, such as a spine fracture, you need to receive immediate medical attention. Neglecting to do so could lead to a variety of additional health concerns, including paralysis.
Upon arriving at the hospital, many tests can help diagnose a spine fracture. These include but are not limited to:
— X-ray. With this, your medical team can view the bony structure of your spine, giving them a better idea of if a fracture is present.
— CT scan. Similar in some ways to an X-ray, this test produces a 2 dimensional image of your spine. Once again, it helps your medical team take a closer look at the structure of your spine.
— MRI. With this, it’s easier to view the soft tissues of your spin. Unlike with an X-ray, an MRI shows both discs and nerves.
Note: In some cases, more than one type of test will be run in order to determine the exact injury (as well as the extent).
Once the right tests are run, you can then work with your medical team to learn more about your treatment options. For example, you may require back surgery in order to treat the injury and ensure the best chance of a full recovery.
In other cases, a brace or orthotic may be all you need.
Regardless, you should follow the direction of your medical team, as you don’t want to do anything that could further jeopardize your health in the future.
A spine fracture is a serious injury that can change your life in many ways. If you suffer this type of injury on the job, do these three things:
— Call for immediate medical assistance
— Report the injury to your employer
— Learn more about your legal rights
This type of workplace injury is likely to keep you out of work for an extended period of time. For this reason, you should never hesitate to file a workers’ compensation claim. With the help of an attorney, you can be sure that you are receiving the money you deserve.
Source: Nov. 30, -0001
